What ingredients do I need to make salted caramel butter bars?

To make salted caramel butter bars, you typically need all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, baking powder, and a pinch of salt for the base and caramel layers. For the salted caramel topping, use granulated sugar, heavy cream, unsalted butter, and flaky sea salt. These ingredients combine to create a buttery crust, a rich caramel center, and a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard in salted caramel bars?

To keep the caramel soft and chewy, avoid overcooking the sugar when making the caramel sauce. Cook the sugar until it reaches a deep amber color (around 350°F or 175°C), then immediately add the butter and cream while stirring continuously. Using heavy cream helps maintain a smooth texture, and adding a small amount of corn syrup can prevent crystallization. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to help the caramel set properly without hardening.

Can I make salted caramel butter bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free salted caramel butter bars by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add a small amount separately to maintain the right texture. Be cautious when selecting other ingredients like baking powder, as some may contain gluten. Always check labels to ensure all components are gluten-free and safe for your dietary needs.

How should I store salted caramel butter bars to keep them fresh?

Store salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate the bars for up to a week. Before serving, bring them back to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave to soften the caramel. For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months; thaw before serving for best texture.

Can I make salted caramel butter bars ahead of time for a party?

Salted caramel butter bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and bake them 2 to 3 days before your event and store them in the refrigerator. To serve, let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften the caramel layer. Alternatively, bake the crust and prepare the caramel topping separately, assembling them on the day of the party to keep the caramel fresh and perfectly gooey.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe With Gooey Rich Layers

Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Prep time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups salted butter at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 14 ounces soft caramel candies (about 50 individual pieces); 1/3 cup milk or cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (optional, for that perfect salty kick)

Description

🍫 Indulge in the rich, gooey delight of Salted Caramel Butter Bars with a buttery shortbread crust and luscious caramel filling.
🌟 These bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any dessert lover.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups salted butter at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1½ cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

4 cups all-purpose flour

14 ounces soft caramel candies (about 50 individual pieces)

1/3 cup milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon coarse sea salt (optional, for that perfect salty kick)

Instructions

1-Preheat: Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to set the stage for those rich layers.

2-Mix the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the 2 cups of salted butter at room temperature with 1 cup granulated sugar and 1½ cups powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Add in 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract and mix well, then gradually stir in 4 cups of all-purpose flour to form a smooth dough. For dietary adaptations like vegan, swap the butter with plant-based margarine right here. Press half of this dough evenly into your prepared baking dish to create the base layer, then pop it in the oven for a quick partial bake until it’s just set.

3-Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, prepare the filling by melting the 14 ounces of soft caramel candies with 1/3 cup of milk or cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and, if you like, 1 tablespoon of coarse sea salt for that signature flavor. Once smooth, pour this over the baked crust. Crumble the remaining chilled dough over the top for a tasty topping, then bake everything again until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into 24 pieces you’ll have a dessert ready in about 1 hour and 20 minutes total.

Notes

🧈 Ensure the butter is at room temperature to create a smooth, creamy crust.
🍬 Melt caramel slowly over low heat to prevent burning and achieve a silky filling.
❄️ Cool bars completely before cutting to maintain clean edges and prevent filling from oozing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 130 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Bars, Butter Bars, Gooey Dessert, Caramel Treat