Irresistibly Decadent Salted Caramel Butter Bars
There’s something truly magical about the combination of buttery goodness and sweet, gooey caramel. I remember the first time I tasted Salted Caramel Butter Bars. It was during a family gathering, and my aunt brought a tray that disappeared faster than I could say “dessert.” The buttery shortbread base combined with the rich, silky caramel was pure heaven. Today, I’m excited to share my own version of this crowd-pleaser that captures all the nostalgia and flavor without the fuss!
What sets my Salted Caramel Butter Bars apart is the balance of flavors and the luxurious texture that melts in your mouth. Unlike store-bought versions that can be overly sweet or lack depth, my recipe uses high-quality ingredients and just the right amount of sea salt to elevate those caramel notes. Plus, it’s a recipe that evokes heartwarming memories of family gatherings and cozy nights spent baking together.
Stick with me as I guide you through this easy recipe, packed with pro tips that will help you create bars so good you’ll want to share—if you can bear to! Let’s make some delicious memories together.
What Are Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Originating from the rise of salted desserts in the culinary world, Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful creation that marries two beloved flavors: soft, rich caramel and indulgently buttery shortbread. These bars boast a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth base topped with a luscious layer of caramel that is lightly sprinkled with flaked sea salt for a perfect salty-sweet balance.
When you take that first bite, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors—the buttery richness followed by the deep, sweet notes of caramel, all harmonized by the touch of salt. They’re uniquely perfect for gatherings, parties, or just to enjoy with a cup of coffee at home when you need a sweet pick-me-up. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a Tuesday, these bars are sure to bring joy and comfort to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: You won’t need a pantry full of exotic products. Just a handful of everyday items and a little love will get you there!
Budget-Friendly: For the cost of one store-bought dessert, you can make an entire tray of these delectable bars that feed a crowd. Plus, you control the quality of the ingredients.
Customization: Want to kick it up a notch? You can incorporate chocolate chips, nuts, or even add a hint of espresso to the caramel. The possibilities are endless!
Nostalgic Comfort: Each buttery bite takes you back to family dinners and special moments by the oven. They nurture not just your taste buds but also your soul.
Low-Cost, High-Impact: With minimal effort and a little time invested, you’ll create something that looks gourmet and impresses your family and friends.
Ready to roll your sleeves up and dive into this deliciousness? Let’s get started!
Ingredients Section
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (I always opt for European-style butter for richer flavor)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (use kosher for a coarser texture if preferred)
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade is best, but quality store-bought works too; I recommend Kraft’s caramel for convenience)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for a finishing touch)
Notes
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy creaming.
- If you’re looking to make this recipe dairy-free, try using vegan butter and coconut cream caramel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful, non-sticky finish!Cream Together
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it appears pale and airy.Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can lead to dense bars. A light hand is your friend here!Form the Base
Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm shortbread base. Use a spatula or your hands to even it out.Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. It should smell heavenly!Cool and Drizzle
Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle sea salt over the caramel. This will bring out the flavor of the caramel and add a delightful crunch.Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. This step is essential, as it allows the caramel to set properly.
Enjoy your delicious treats! For a visual cue, the bars should look glossy and inviting when done. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the center remains soft and chewy.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality butter and caramel makes a world of difference. Don’t skimp here!
Storing: Keep these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
Make-Ahead: They freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Troubleshoot: If the caramel is too thick to drizzle, gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.
Chef’s Tip: If you like a little crunch, consider adding chopped nuts or toffee bits into the batter before baking!
Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to fancy them up, try serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun twist, drizzle with more caramel or chocolate sauce. They’re great for parties, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in paired with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee.
Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Combinations: For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin spice for a fall-themed version or peppermint extract for the holidays!
Dietary Adjustments: Gluten-free flour can easily substitute all-purpose flour, while dairy-free options make this a delicious treat for lactose-sensitive friends.
Seasonal Fruits: Adding a layer of fresh fruit like slices of apple or pear can elevate the flavor and add freshness to your bars.
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
- Estimated Calories: 250 calories per serving (varies with specific ingredients used)
Storage
- Room Temperature: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months (wrap tightly to avoid freezer burn).
FAQ Section
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will add a deeper caramel flavor and a bit of moisture.What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and allow the bars to cool completely for cleaner cuts.How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
Combine sugar, water, and cream in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted and thickened—easy as pie!Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time slightly if necessary.What if my caramel sauce is too runny?
Allow it to cool and thicken a bit. Alternatively, you can simmer it on low heat until it reaches the desired consistency.How can I make these more decadent?
Drizzle chocolate ganache on top for a luxurious finish!Why did my bars turn out too dense?
Overmixing the batter after adding flour can lead to a denser texture; mix just until combined.Are these bars suitable for transporting?
They travel well! Just keep them in a sturdy container to prevent them from breaking apart.Can I add nuts?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the batter before baking for added texture.What should I do with leftover caramel sauce?
It’s perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or even as a dip for fruit!
Conclusion
There you have it! A deliciously rich and comforting recipe for Salted Caramel Butter Bars that will surely win over your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s not just tasty, but also filled with love and memories. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below! For more exciting recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorite desserts on the blog—your next culinary adventure awaits! Happy baking!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened European-style butter is preferred for richer flavor
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can be substituted with brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour Gluten-free flour can be used for dietary adjustments
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Use kosher salt for a coarser texture if preferred
For the Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce Homemade is best, quality store-bought like Kraft is acceptable
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt For sprinkling on top
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a firm shortbread base.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Finishing Touches
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for just a few minutes. Then drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Lightly sprinkle sea salt over the caramel.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.