Sweet & Salty Bliss: Homemade Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Crumbly, buttery magic happens when salted caramel butter bars dance across your kitchen counter.

Sweet whispers of golden caramel peek through rich, tender layers of delectable pastry.

Butter melts into unexpected moments of pure comfort and indulgence.

Coastal bakers have long understood the secret charm of these decadent squares.

Childhood memories swirl around each perfectly crafted bite, promising pure satisfaction.

Simple ingredients conspire to create something magnificently irresistible.

Salt and sweet perform an elegant culinary waltz in this delightful treat.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice.

What Makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars So Addictive

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delectable bars with minimal effort using simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Irresistible combination of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and crunchy sea salt creates a flavor explosion that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, bake sales, or when you need a decadent dessert that will impress everyone without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making it an ideal option for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without last-minute stress.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Ingredient Rundown

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for the bar's texture.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a golden color.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds smoothness and helps bind the dough.
• Flour: Gives structure to the bar's base.

• Vanilla: Brings warm and comforting aroma.
• Sea Salt: Adds a perfect salty contrast to the sweet caramel.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent sticking to the pan.
• Caramel Sauce: Creates a delicious gooey layer between crusts.
• Foil: Assists with easy removal of bars from the baking pan.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your 13×9-inch baking pan and line it with foil.

Give the foil a quick spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Set your oven to warm up at 325°F.

Step 2: Create Buttery Dough Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Beat these ingredients until they become light and fluffy.

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour

Mix until a soft, crumbly dough forms.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Take half of your prepared dough and press it evenly into the lined baking pan.

Use your fingers to create a smooth, compact base.

Pop the remaining dough into the refrigerator to chill.

Step 4: Initial Baking

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake the first layer for 15 minutes.

The edges should start to turn a light golden color.

Step 5: Add Caramel and Topping

Once the base is out of the oven, pour a generous layer of caramel sauce over the warm crust.

Take the chilled dough and crumble it across the top of the caramel.

Sprinkle sea salt over the entire surface for that perfect sweet-salty combination.

Step 6: Final Baking and Cooling

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a beautiful golden-brown color across the top.

Remove and let the bars cool completely at room temperature.

Step 7: Chill and Slice

Place the cooled pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

This helps the bars set and makes cutting clean, crisp squares much easier.

Slice into perfect squares and serve.

Tips For Better Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Use flaky sea salt for a perfect sweet-savory balance, sprinkling evenly across the top of the bars for a gourmet touch.
• Refrigerate the bars completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat slices and help the layers set firmly.
• Keep the reserved dough chilled while preparing the first layer to maintain its crumbly texture when topping the caramel.
• Use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel that's smooth and pourable for even distribution.
• Line the pan with foil and spray it well, allowing you to lift the entire batch out easily for cleaner cutting and serving.

Keeping Salted Caramel Butter Bars Fresh

• Store leftover Salted Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent caramel from becoming too soft.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 275°F for 5 minutes to restore their delightful texture and warm caramel goodness.

Delicious Pairings For Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Pair Creamy Chardonnay with Caramel Bars: A buttery white wine complements the rich, sweet caramel flavors, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness with its smooth oak undertones.
• Match Rich Espresso Shots: Strong espresso cuts through the bar's sweetness, providing a bold contrast that enhances the caramel's deep, complex flavor profile and cleanses the palate.
• Serve Salted Nut Garnish: Sprinkle roasted almonds or pecans alongside the bars to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that echoes the sea salt's savory notes, creating a sophisticated taste experience.
• Pour Cold Milk Accompaniment: Chilled whole milk offers a classic, creamy complement that softens the caramel's intensity and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, buttery dessert.

Variants For Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend to make the bars safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter alternatives, using plant-based caramel sauce to maintain rich flavor while accommodating dairy-free diets.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Cut granulated sugar by half and use monk fruit sweetener or stevia to lower overall sugar content, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel layer for added texture and a complementary nutty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can make your own caramel sauce. Just ensure it’s thick enough to spread evenly and not too runny.

• What type of flour works best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal. It provides the right texture and structure for the butter bar base.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on the crumbled top and edges. The crust should be set but not too dark.

• Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling the remaining dough helps it crumble more easily and prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter bars melt hearts with their irresistible blend of sweet and salty flavors. Buttery, rich layers promise a delightful dessert experience that lingers long after the last crumbly bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (907 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 grams) white sugar

Sweeteners and Flavors:

• 1.5 cups (170 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 11.5 ounces (326 grams) jar salted caramel sauce
• Sea salt (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Transform butter and sugar into a cloud-like mixture using an electric mixer until light and airy, blending in powdered sugar and vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
2. Gently fold flour into the creamy mixture, creating a delicate, pliable dough that will form the foundation of these luxurious bars.
3. Carefully spread half the dough across the prepared baking pan, creating an even, smooth base layer that will cradle the caramel.
4. Slide the remaining dough into the refrigerator to firm up while preparing the initial crust.
5. Warm the oven to a precise 325°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure even baking.
6. Line the baking pan with aluminum foil, generously coating with non-stick spray to prevent any potential sticking.
7. Bake the initial dough layer for approximately 15 minutes, allowing it to develop a light golden hue and subtle crispness.
8. Drizzle rich, velvety caramel across the partially baked crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Retrieve the chilled dough and delicately crumble it over the caramel, creating a rustic, textured topping.
10. Sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt across the surface, enhancing the sweet-savory flavor profile.
11. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a beautiful golden-brown color.
12. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate to set before slicing into decadent squares.

Notes

• Chill the dough before pressing into the pan to prevent sticking and ensure a more even, compact base.
• Use high-quality caramel sauce or make your own for a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Sprinkle sea salt sparingly to create a perfect balance between sweet and salty, enhancing the caramel’s depth.
• Allow bars to cool completely and set in the refrigerator for clean, precise cuts and a firmer texture that holds together beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg