Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Who can resist the allure of a rich, buttery dessert that simply melts in your mouth? Our Salted Caramel Butter Bars are just that indulgent treat. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey salted caramel filling, these bars are an irresistible combination that will leave you craving more. At first glance, they may look simple, but don’t be fooled – the flavor is anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delight for anyone who loves a rich and decadent dessert. The secret lies in using a full pound of butter for the crust, giving these bars an unbelievably rich flavor. A sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel adds a delicious depth, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty. They’re the kind of treat you can cut into small pieces and savor slowly, making them perfect for sharing – though you might want to keep them all to yourself!

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Plastic wrap
• Non-stick spray

Ingredients

• Crust/Topping:
• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound (4 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Filling:
• 50-60 caramel candies, wrappers removed (14 oz. bag)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugars for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and pale.
3. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually mix in the flour until you have a smooth dough.
4. Press 1/3 of the dough into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
5. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it until needed.
6. Once the crust is baked, let it cool completely.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. If necessary, continue microwaving in 30-second increments.
8. Stir the vanilla extract into the caramel, then pour it over the cooled crust. Sprinkle sea salt evenly on top.
9. Retrieve the chilled dough from the fridge and crumble it evenly over the caramel layer.
10. Bake for an additional 26-28 minutes until the top is lightly golden.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips for Success

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. Don’t overbake the crust initially; it should just be golden. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to keep the layers intact.

Additional Tips and Variations

For an extra kick, try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crust mixture. You can also experiment with different types of salt, such as Himalayan pink salt, for a unique twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While these bars are a treat, a small serving goes a long way. They’re rich in flavor and satisfyingly sweet, perfect for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use unsalted butter? Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you may want to increase the salt in the recipe slightly to maintain the flavor balance.

Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How should I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy making and tasting these Salted Caramel Butter Bars as much as we do. They’re a delightful treat that’s sure to impress. Give them a try and let us know how they turned out – we’d love to hear from you!