Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are an irresistible treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, creamy salted caramel layer. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, these bars are soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, they will surely impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery crust and creamy salted caramel creates a delightful flavor explosion that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for various occasions such as parties, potlucks, or even as a sweet snack at home.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored, allowing you to enjoy them whenever you want.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate drizzle for an extra layer of flavor!
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Gather the necessary equipment before you start making your salted caramel butter bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and ensures the bars come out perfectly thick.
- Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing butter and sugars together for a smooth texture.
Ingredients
These salted caramel butter bars are made with a buttery shortbread crust filled with a rich and creamy salted caramel layer! Soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups salted butter, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Layer
- 14 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped (about 50 pieces)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
To Finish
- Flake sea salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the salted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan evenly.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel candies, heavy cream, and vanilla. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour this mixture over the baked crust once it’s cooled slightly.
Step 5: Add Sea Salt
- Sprinkle flake sea salt generously over the caramel layer while it’s still warm to enhance its flavor.
Step 6: Final Bake
- Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes until set but not overcooked.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
- Allow your salted caramel butter bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These salted caramel butter bars make for an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Serving them can elevate any occasion, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations.
With Fresh Fruits
- Berries – Pair your bars with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Sliced Apples – Crisp apple slices add a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the bars.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm salted caramel butter bars with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle – Enhance the flavor by drizzling additional caramel sauce over the top.
Coffee Pairing
- Espresso – The rich, bold flavors of espresso complement the sweetness of the bars perfectly.
- Latte – A creamy latte softens the sweetness and makes for a comforting treat pairing.
As Party Favors
- Wrapped Treats – Cut the bars into smaller squares, wrap them in parchment paper, and tie with twine for charming party favors.
How to Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars
To ensure your salted caramel butter bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Softened butter and eggs mix better, leading to a smoother batter.
- Don’t Skip the Sea Salt – A sprinkle of flake sea salt on top enhances the caramel flavor and creates a balanced taste.
- Check Baking Time Carefully – Keep an eye on your bars; overbaking can make them dry. They should be firm but slightly soft in the center when done.
- Allow to Cool Completely – Letting the bars cool allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into squares.
- Experiment with Toppings – Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These salted caramel butter bars can shine even brighter when paired with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their rich flavors.
- Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Cheese Platter – Include tangy cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar for a savory contrast.
- Chocolate Mousse – Light and airy chocolate mousse makes an elegant pairing with the dense bars.
- Nutty Granola – Crunchy granola offers a nice texture alongside soft butter bars; serve it on the side or as a topping.
- Coffee Cake – A slice of coffee cake brings warmth and pairs beautifully with coffee-flavored desserts.
- Whipped Cream – Lightly sweetened whipped cream is always a classic accompaniment that adds creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making salted caramel butter bars, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes and tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
- Skipping room temperature butter: Using cold butter can result in a dense crust. Always let your butter reach room temperature for a light, flaky texture.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Incorrect measurements can affect taste and texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
- Ignoring cooling times: Cutting the bars too soon can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
- Forgetting the sea salt: The salt enhances the caramel flavor. Don’t skip this step; sprinkle generously on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes for a warm treat.
- Microwave: Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about salted caramel butter bars that may help you while making this delicious treat.
What makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars so special?
Salted caramel butter bars combine rich, buttery flavors with a sweet and salty contrast that delights every palate.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes, homemade caramel works beautifully! Just make sure it has cooled slightly before pouring it onto the crust.
How do I cut my salted caramel butter bars neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice through the bars cleanly without tearing them apart.
Are there any variations for these salted caramel butter bars?
You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even different flavored extracts to customize your bars!
Final Thoughts
These salted caramel butter bars are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to create unique flavors each time you bake. Give this recipe a try—your friends and family will love them!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! These delectable treats feature a rich, buttery shortbread crust layered with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth salted caramel. Perfect for any occasion—from cozy nights at home to festive celebrations—these bars are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, even novice bakers can create this irresistible sweet treat. Customize them further with your favorite toppings for an added twist, or enjoy them as is for a classic dessert that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups salted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 14 ounces caramel candies
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Flake sea salt for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the salted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until fully combined.
- Press the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a saucepan, melt caramel candies with heavy cream and vanilla over medium heat until smooth.
- Pour the melted caramel over the crust and sprinkle flake sea salt on top before returning to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
