Salted Caramel Butter Bars: The Ultimate Indulgent Dessert Recipe

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Originating from the classic butter bar recipes, these bars have evolved to include the rich, gooey goodness of salted caramel, which has become a beloved favorite in many households. The combination of a buttery crust and a luscious caramel topping creates a texture that is both chewy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

People adore Salted Caramel Butter Bars not only for their incredible taste but also for their convenience; they are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. Dive into this recipe and discover why these bars have captured the hearts of dessert lovers everywhere!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue to mix until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as you no longer see any flour streaks.

Preparing the Caramel Sauce

1. If you are using store-bought caramel sauce, simply warm it slightly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
2. If you prefer to make homemade caramel sauce, follow these steps:
   1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
   2. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Watch closely as it turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
   3. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir until smooth.
   4. Add 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and a pinch of salt, stirring until fully melted and combined. Let it cool slightly before using.

Assembling the Bars

1. Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter, using a spoon to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to disturb the batter too much.
3. Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading it gently to cover the caramel completely.
4. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top of the second layer of batter. Use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled appearance.

Baking the Bars

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
3. After cooling slightly, sprinkle the top with sea salt to enhance the flavor of the caramel.
4. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles.

Serving Suggestions

1. Once cooled and cut, serve the salted caramel butter bars on a platter. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
2. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
3. These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Tips for Perfect Bars

Conclusion:

In summary, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, buttery base combined with the luscious salted caramel topping creates a dessert that is not only indulgent but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or drizzling extra chocolate on top for an extra layer of decadence. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience with friends and family. Don’t forget to take a moment to snap a picture of your delicious creation and share it on social media! Your feedback and variations can inspire others to enjoy these Salted Caramel Butter Bars just as much as you will. Happy baking! Print