Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Butter Bars combine a rich, buttery crust with a luscious caramel filling and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This treat offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Caramel Filling:
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
• For the Topping:
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Simmer, stirring constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 to 16 bars.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality, European-style butter for a richer crust and deeper flavor.
• Choose flaky sea salt for topping to add texture and a subtle salty crunch.
• Allow bars to cool fully, or chill in the fridge before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
• For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel before baking.
• Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different caramel note and a bit more richness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, or add it separately.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Cook the caramel until thickened but still soft and pour it immediately over the warm crust. Avoid overbaking the caramel layer as this can make it hard. Also, storing the bars at room temperature helps keep the caramel soft.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 125 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

Salted Caramel Butter Bars feature a rich, buttery crust topped with a luscious, thick caramel filling and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This indulgent dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a tender, crumbly base and a sticky, smooth caramel layer that melts in your mouth. Ideal for gatherings, gifts, or an afternoon treat, these bars combine nostalgic comfort with an elegant twist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)

For the Topping:

• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the crust dough: In a bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the softened butter and combine until a crumbly dough forms, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
3. Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly to set before adding the filling.
4. Prepare the caramel filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook while stirring continuously for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Add flavorings: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the caramel.
6. Assemble and bake: Pour the caramel over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake the assembled bars for an additional 12–15 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and a golden hue appears.
7. Cool and garnish: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then sprinkle the 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt evenly over the top. For best results, chill in the refrigerator before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
8. Slice and serve: Lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, slice into 12–16 pieces, and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery, caramel, and salty flavors.

Notes

• Use high-quality European-style butter for a richer and more flavorful crust.
• Flaky sea salt is crucial for texture and flavor; avoid using table salt.
• Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to achieve clean edges and set caramel layers.
• Watch the caramel closely during the second bake to prevent overbaking and ensure a smooth, luscious filling.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted caramel bars, caramel butter bars, sweet and salty dessert, baked caramel bars, easy dessert recipes