How do you make salted caramel butter bars from scratch?

To make salted caramel butter bars, start by preparing a buttery shortbread crust using flour, sugar, and softened butter. Press this mixture into a baking pan and bake until lightly golden. While the crust cools, melt caramel candies with heavy cream on low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust, sprinkle with sea salt, and let it set in the refrigerator for at least two hours before cutting into bars. Using real butter and high-quality caramel yields the best flavor and texture.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade caramel in butter bars?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Choose a thick, creamy caramel sauce without added flavors like vanilla or chocolate to maintain the authentic salted caramel taste. Heat the sauce slightly to make it pourable, then spread it evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before chilling. Keep in mind that store-bought sauces vary in sweetness and texture, so taste before use to adjust salt if needed.

What is the best type of salt to use on salted caramel butter bars?

Flaky sea salt, such as Maldon or fleur de sel, is ideal for salted caramel butter bars. These salts provide a delicate crunch and a clean, bright salt flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel without overpowering it. Avoid fine table salt, which can dissolve too quickly and taste overly salty. Sprinkling the flaky salt just before chilling preserves its texture and delivers that signature salted caramel contrast.

How should salted caramel butter bars be stored to keep them fresh?

Store salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature helps the caramel layer remain firm and prevents the buttery crust from becoming soggy. Properly stored, they will stay fresh for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly and freeze them for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Can salted caramel butter bars be made gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes, you can make salted caramel butter bars gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of butter and select dairy-free caramel sauce or make caramel using coconut milk and dairy-free sweeteners. Keep in mind that texture and taste may vary slightly, so test the recipe in small batches to adjust consistency and flavor.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe With Rich Gooey Layers

Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: PT-489601H18M25S
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 cups salted butter, 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 caramels), unwrapped; – 1/3 cup milk or cream; – 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; – 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Description

🍬 Indulge in these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, featuring rich buttery layers combined with gooey salted caramel for a perfect treat.
🍫 A wonderful balance of sweet and salty makes this dessert irresistible and a must-try for caramel lovers.

Ingredients

– 2 cups salted butter, 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 caramels), unwrapped

– 1/3 cup milk or cream

– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This sets the stage for a smooth baking process and makes cleanup a breeze.

2-Next, in a mixer bowl, combine 2 cups softened salted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1½ cups powdered sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes.

3-Add 2 tablespoons vanilla extract and mix until combined. Then, on low speed, add 4 cups all-purpose flour and mix until a soft dough forms. Press one-third of the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan and wrap the remaining dough to chill in the refrigerator.

4-Bake the crust for 20 minutes or until the edges turn pale golden brown, then cool for about 15 minutes. While that’s happening, melt 14 ounces unwrapped soft caramel candies with 1/3 cup milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, and continue in 30-second intervals until smooth.

5-Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, pour the caramel mixture over the cooled crust, and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt if using. Crumble the remaining chilled dough over the caramel layer and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling bubbles and the topping is firm and lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.

Notes

🧈 Use room temperature butter for the best dough consistency and easier mixing.
🍭 Soft caramel candies provide ideal texture and chewiness; caramel sauce can be a substitute but changes texture.
🛑 Store bars in an airtight container up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling and cooling time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square
Calories: 230
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 35mg

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