Salted Caramel Butter Bars: 7 Irresistible Sweet Bites

Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon sea salt

There’s a special kind of magic that happens when buttery goodness meets rich, gooey caramel, and it’s encapsulated perfectly in these Salted Caramel Butter Bars. If you’re looking for a treat that’s not just a dessert but a delightful experience, these bars will tick all the boxes. Your family and friends won’t be able to resist coming back for seconds, and you may just find yourself keeping the secret of this delicious recipe to yourself.

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect for gatherings: These bars are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a perfect weekend baking project.
Satisfies cravings: The combination of salty and sweet is utterly addictive, setting these bars apart from the rest.

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are truly something special, providing a sweet yet savory balance that takes dessert to another level.

Simple Way to Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Let’s dive right into the delightful process of making Salted Caramel Butter Bars. This recipe is so straightforward that even novice bakers can whip it up with ease. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create something delicious.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

The first step is to get your oven preheated to a cozy 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it well with either butter or non-stick spray. This will ensure that your bars come out clean and easily manageable.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat these together until the mixture is creamy and smooth. You’ll want to do this until it’s light in color, as this helps to incorporate air for a softer, fluffier texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Next, mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until combined, but try not to overmix. You want to get everything together, but it should look slightly lumpy.

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Now, take approximately two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will serve as the base for your salted caramel bars. The key here is to make it as even as possible, which allows for uniform baking.

Step 5: Add the Caramel

Once the base is ready, it’s time to pour your delicious 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure that every bite of the dessert will be generously coated in that heavenly caramel.

Step 6: Crumble the Remaining Dough

With the caramel layer set, take the remaining third of the dough and crumble it over the caramel layer. This creates a delicious texture and adds wonderful contrast. Feel free to leave the crumbles a bit chunky; it will provide a delightful bite when you sink your teeth into these bars.

Step 7: A Sprinkle of Sea Salt

For the finishing touch, generously sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the crumbled dough. The salt complements the sweetness of the caramel and balances out the flavors beautifully.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until your Salted Caramel Butter Bars are golden brown on top. Once they come out, let them cool in the dish for a bit before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial; you want them firm enough to cut into perfect bars.

Now all that delightful goodness is ready to be sliced into bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious!

Best Way to Store Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Once these bars have been baked, it’s essential to store them correctly so that they maintain their fresh flavor and satisfying texture.

Room Temperature: If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, these bars will last about 3-4 days. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars for a week. Just ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent them from absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Freezing: These delicious bars can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Serving Ideas for Salted Caramel Butter Bars

When it comes to serving these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, the possibilities are endless! Here are some delectable ideas to consider:

With Ice Cream: Pair a warm bar with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a mouthwatering dessert.
Drizzled in Caramel: For an extra decadent touch, drizzle some additional caramel sauce over your bars before serving.
Topped with Whipped Cream: For a light and airy finish, a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the richness of the bars.
Coffee Companion: These bars make the perfect afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. Their sweet and salty flavor harmonizes brilliantly with the robust taste of a warm beverage.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality butter and caramel sauce. The flavor difference will elevate your bars to gourmet status.
Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: The sprinkle of sea salt enhances the overall experience. Make sure you don’t skip it!
Leave Space for Cooling: After baking, let the bars cool thoroughly before cutting them, as this will help them maintain their shape.

Fun Variations or Substitutions

Now, if you want to experiment beyond tradition, consider these variations:

Nutty Additions: For added crunch and flavor, mix in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough or sprinkle them over the caramel layer.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an added layer of richness. Dark chocolate works beautifully with the sweet and salty flavors.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly to maintain freshness.

Q: How do I know when they are done baking?
A: They should be golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Q: Can I substitute the caramel sauce?

Yes, you can make homemade caramel sauce or use a store-bought version.

Q: What can I serve with these bars?

Pair them with fresh fruits, ice cream, coffee, or milk for a heavenly experience.

Pro Tips for Baking Success

Measure Flour Carefully: Make sure to spoon and level your flour to avoid dense bars, as too much flour can affect texture.
Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this helps to incorporate it better and creates a smooth batter.
Experiment with Serving: Don’t hesitate to serve with a selection of desserts, like brownies or cheesecakes, to create an impressive dessert platter.

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are not simply a treat; they are an experience. With their delectable blend of flavors and textures, they elevate any gathering or sweet craving. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and indulge in this sweet masterpiece. Enjoy every buttery, caramel-drenched bite!