There is something utterly magical about rich, buttery cookie bars paired with luscious salted caramel, and that’s exactly what makes the Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe such an irresistible treat. This dessert captures the perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, with a tender buttery crust that melts in your mouth, topped by a creamy caramel layer and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for that little pop of flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy homemade indulgence, these bars promise to deliver a delightful experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in creating that perfect harmony of taste and texture. From the soft, rich butter that forms the base, to the smooth caramel that blankets the bars, every component combines to achieve a flavor and look that’s nothing short of stunning.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base and contributes to a tender, buttery crumb.
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps create a silky texture in the dough.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that shapes the bars and gives them structure.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of soft caramels, unwrapped: Melts down into a luscious, creamy layer of caramel magic.
- 3 tbsp heavy cream: Adds smoothness to the caramel, making it perfectly silky and spreadable.
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes (for topping): Provides a delightful salty crunch to contrast the sweet caramel.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy—this is the key to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth base. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and salt before gradually mixing in the all-purpose flour until you have a soft dough. Take two-thirds of this dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Bake it for 15 minutes until it starts to turn slightly golden, then remove it from the oven and let it cool just a bit.
Step 2: Create the Caramel Layer
While the crust is baking, melt your soft caramels together with the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to ensure the mixture stays smooth and doesn’t burn—this step transforms simple candy into a silky caramel sauce that’ll be the star of your bars.
Step 3: Layer and Finish Baking
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the luscious caramel evenly over it. Then crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the caramel layer, creating a delightful, crumbly topping. Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden. Remove from the oven, and while it’s still warm, sprinkle the sea salt flakes evenly on top to add that perfect burst of saltiness.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan—that way, they set up perfectly and hold their shape when sliced. For easier cutting and cleaner slices, you might want to refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before slicing them into squares.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these bars with a light sprinkle of extra sea salt flakes right before presenting can really enhance the caramel’s flavor. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special touch that makes the dessert a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts perfectly into the warm caramel. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich hot chocolate complements the buttery sweetness beautifully, turning your snack into a lovely indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of additional toppings like chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or more sea salt flakes. You can also stack smaller bars layered with whipped cream in dessert glasses for a layered parfait-style treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them covered to maintain their buttery tenderness and keep the caramel layer from drying out. If you need to keep them longer, refrigeration is your friend.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you like your Salted Caramel Butter Bars warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low-heat oven. This reheating melts the caramel back to that gooey perfection, making each bite sumptuous and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use caramel bits instead of wrapped caramels?
Absolutely! Caramel bits can be a convenient substitute and often melt more quickly and evenly, but wrapped soft caramels work great too, especially for that homemade, rich caramel layer.
Do I need to use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan and slice them neatly. It’s a small step that saves a lot of trouble and helps preserve the beautiful layers of the bars.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies on butter, heavy cream, and caramels, which are usually dairy-based. You could experiment with dairy-free butter, vegan caramel alternatives, and non-dairy cream, but results may vary for texture and taste.
Why sprinkle sea salt flakes on top?
The sea salt flakes bring out the complex flavors of the caramel and contrast the sweetness perfectly, adding a crunch and deepening the overall enjoyment of the bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The top should turn a lovely golden brown, and the crumbly dough on top should be set but still tender. Don’t over-bake, or the caramel might dry out and the bars could become crumbly rather than soft and chewy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and delivers incredible flavors in every bite, the Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight treat but impressive enough to serve to guests, and I promise, once you try these bars, they’ll become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. So go ahead—grab your ingredients, warm up your oven, and prepare to fall in love with caramel all over again.
Print
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich and buttery salted caramel butter bars featuring a tender shortbread crust, smooth melted caramel layer, and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. Easy to prepare and perfect for dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Caramel Layer
- 1 (11 oz) bag soft caramels, unwrapped
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
Topping
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it extends over the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Shortbread Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well. Gradually incorporate the flour and mix until a soft dough forms.
- Form and Bake Crust: Press two-thirds of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to create the crust. Bake this crust for 15 minutes until it is slightly firm, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: While the crust bakes, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the caramels have fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Crumble the remaining one-third of the dough over the caramel layer, distributing it evenly.
- Bake Final Layer: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is lightly golden and set.
- Finish and Cool: Once baked, remove from the oven immediately and sprinkle the surface with sea salt flakes. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, refrigerate the bars for 30 minutes after they have completely cooled.
- You can substitute caramel bits for unwrapped caramels if preferred or if they are easier to find.
