There’s something truly satisfying about creating a treat that combines sweet and salty in the most indulgent way. As I stirred together the rich butter and sugar for these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, I couldn’t help but recall a joyful afternoon spent in my kitchen, baking with friends. The laughter and warmth wrapped around us like a cozy blanket, as the scent of melting caramel filled the air.
These bars are not just easy to make; they are a crowd-pleasing delight that gracefully balances flavor and texture. With a buttery base infused with a hint of vanilla, and an irresistible layer of gooey caramel topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, they are destined to brighten up any potluck or family gathering.
Best of all? You can whip them up in just 45 minutes, allowing you to satisfy those sweet cravings without turning to fast food. So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this deliciously simple recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family with minimal effort.
- The blend of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone’s taste buds dancing.
- Their visual appeal is undeniable, with the beautiful layers of gooey caramel peeking through a buttery crust that looks as good as it tastes.
- Plus, you can whip them up in just 45 minutes, making them a perfect last-minute treat for any occasion.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Ingredients
• Create this sweet treat with ease!
For the Base
- Unsalted butter – adds richness and moisture to your bars.
- Brown sugar – provides a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Granulated sugar – helps to achieve the perfect sweetness without overwhelming the taste.
- Large eggs – binds the ingredients together for a delightful texture.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, aromatic note that enhances the overall flavor.
For the Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – gives structure and stability to your salted caramel butter bars.
- Baking powder – helps the bars rise, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt – balances the sweetness, enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
For the Caramel Layer
- Caramel sauce – the star of the show, adding gooey goodness that makes each bite irresistible.
For Topping
- Sea salt – just a sprinkle enhances the salted caramel magic, elevating the taste to new heights.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake uniformly, creating that perfect golden finish we all love.
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Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. A non-stick coating will help your delicious bars come out easily once baked and ready to be devoured.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth. This step is crucial for a light texture, so take your time!
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Add the large eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should become fluffy and aromatic, promising a delightful treat ahead.
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Combine in a separate bowl your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mixture will provide structure to your bars, boosting their deliciousness.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, combining them until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to maintain that tender texture.
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Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula for an even layer. It’s the base that will cradle the gooey caramel filling.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the first layer of batter. Allow the caramel to flow evenly, creating the sweet surprise everyone will love!
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Spread the remaining half of the batter on top of the caramel layer. It doesn’t have to be perfect; a rustic look adds to the charm!
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Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking. This enhances that irresistible salted caramel flavor, giving your bars an extra kick.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking; we want soft, chewy bars!
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Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars. Patience is key; this waiting time ensures perfect slices without the mess!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
There’s something magical about creating the perfect meal that pairs beautifully with rich dessert bars.
- Coffee: The comforting warmth of coffee balances the sweetness of the bars, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Melting ice cream on warm bars creates an irresistible contrast, blending creamy and chewy textures.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness, adding a refreshing touch to your dessert experience.
- Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai complement the caramel beautifully, creating a cozy ambiance while you savor every bite.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce elevates the indulgence, introducing another layer of flavor that appeals to chocolate lovers.
- Nutty Granola: Serving with a handful of nutty granola adds a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the moist, buttery bars.
- Sliced Almonds: A sprinkle of toasted almonds adds a nutty aroma and enhances the texture, making each bite even more enjoyable.
- Fruit Salad: A bowl of fresh mixed fruit offers a light, zesty contrast, balancing the rich flavors of the salted caramel bars.
- Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water adds a bubbly element that cleanses the palate, enhancing your enjoyment of the bars.
- Caramel Latte: For a sweet pick-me-up, enjoy a caramel latte alongside the bars for a delightful coffee break treat.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that’ll put your personal stamp on the classic salted caramel butter bars!
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Nutty Surprise: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delicious crunch and flavor contrast.
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Swirl in ½ cup of melted chocolate with the caramel for an indulgent, sweet-and-salty combo that’s hard to resist. The richness of chocolate elevates each bite and gives a luscious touch.
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Oatmeal Crunch: Incorporate 1 cup of rolled oats into the batter for a hearty texture and nutty flavor that’s wonderfully satisfying. They add chewiness and create a delicious, wholesome twist.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of cinnamon for an unexpected heat that balances beautifully with sweetness. It adds warmth and an element of surprise!
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Fruit Fusion: Layer in thin slices of ripe banana or dollops of raspberry jam between the batter and caramel for a fruity burst. The tartness of berries or the sweetness of bananas will complement the caramel perfectly.
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Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs for a plant-based alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Your friends won’t believe it’s vegan!
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Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the sweetness and adds delightful complexity. It’s an uplifting touch that’ll leave them craving more.
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Coconut Bliss: Fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist that enhances the flavor profile, making it both interesting and delicious. Each bite transports you to a sunny paradise!
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, spread half of the batter into the pan, and layer the caramel sauce as instructed. Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to bake, spread the remaining batter on top, sprinkle with sea salt, and pop them in the oven. This saves you precious time on busy days, while still delivering those delicious, gooey bars just as delightful as a freshly baked batch!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Room Temperature: Keep uncut bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to meld while enjoying their freshness.
Fridge: For extended freshness, store cut bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This will help maintain their chewy texture.
Freezer: Freeze uncut bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
Reheating: To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual bars in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your Salted Caramel Butter Bars, make sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly; this step helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
- Avoid over-mixing when combining the wet and dry ingredients to keep the bars tender and chewy.
- When spreading the batter into the pan, use a spatula to create an even layer for consistent baking and texture.
- Keep an eye on your bars while baking; they should be golden brown and a toothpick should come out clean, which usually happens around the 25-minute mark for perfect results.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting ingredients for my Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
When choosing your ingredients, ensure that your unsalted butter is at a cool room temperature, which makes it easier to cream. Look for brown sugar that is moist and packed tightly in the cup; this will add depth to the flavor. For the caramel sauce, if using store-bought, opt for a high-quality brand for the best taste.
How should I store my Salted Caramel Butter Bars after baking?
You can keep uncut bars covered at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their freshness. If you have cut them, it’s best to place the bars in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to one week. This method helps to preserve their delightful chewy texture and flavor.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Caramel Butter Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before indulging in their sweet, gooey goodness.
What should I do if my bars come out dry or over-baked?
If your bars turn out dry, it may mean they were over-baked or the oven temperature was too high. To avoid this, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking and use a toothpick to test for doneness—it should come out clean but not dry. Next time, consider pulling them out just before they start to brown for that perfect, chewy texture!
Are there any dietary considerations when making Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Yes! For those with allergies, this recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour and dairy from the butter and caramel sauce. You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version, and look for dairy-free butter and vegan caramel sauce if dairy is a concern. Always check product labels for specific allergens.
Can I add more caramel or toppings to my bars?
The more the merrier! If you’re a true caramel aficionado, feel free to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving. You could even add chocolate chips or nuts for additional flavor and texture. Just ensure that the balance of sweetness stays in check!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Add the large eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined.
- Combine in a separate bowl your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, until just incorporated.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the first layer of batter.
- Spread the remaining half of the batter on top of the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt over the top before baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
