Nothing quite captures the essence of indulgence like Salted Caramel Butter Bars. Picture this: a buttery, golden crust that crumbles ever so slightly under your fingers, revealing a gooey center overflowing with sweet, salty caramel. indulge in chocolate peanut butter ice cream The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses and igniting a craving for something truly decadent. You take a bite, and the symphony of buttery richness and caramel bliss dances on your palate, leaving you in a state of pure delight.
These bars have a special place in my heart. I vividly recall the first time I brought them to a family gathering—everyone devoured them faster than you can say “sugar rush.” It was a moment of laughter and joy as sticky fingers reached for seconds, proving that these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are best enjoyed in good company. crunchy brownie brittle Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, they promise happiness with every bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are incredibly simple to make, ensuring you spend less time baking and more time savoring deliciousness
- With their delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors, they’re sure to please everyone
- Their visual appeal makes them perfect for sharing at gatherings or special occasions
- Enjoy them warm or chilled; they adapt beautifully to any preference!
I still remember how my friends’ eyes lit up when I served these bars at our last get-together. The laughter and compliments were the cherry on top!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Salted Caramel Butter Bars: delicious tiramisu brownies.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for rich flavor; it’s essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key here; it balances perfectly with the salty caramel.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds depth and moisture to the bars.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use regular flour for structure; it helps create that perfect crumbly base.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
- Heavy Cream: For creamy caramel that oozes decadence with every bite; it’s essential!
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity to both the crust and filling.
- Sea Salt Flakes: Sprinkle on top after baking for that perfect salty contrast.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Lemon Crinkle Cookies recipe.
Create the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Then add vanilla extract and mix well.
Add Flour and Salt: Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture while stirring until combined into a crumbly dough.
Press Into Dish and Bake: Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the lined baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, and salt. Stir continuously until it bubbles gently; let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add Caramel to Crust: Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust while it’s still hot. Crumble the remaining crust mixture on top of the caramel layer before returning it to the oven.
Bake Again: Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove from oven and sprinkle sea salt flakes right away.
Let these Salted Caramel Butter Bars cool completely before slicing into squares. They’re best enjoyed once they’ve set properly but good luck waiting! For more inspiration, check out this Homemade Crunch Bars recipe.
You Must Know
- Salted Caramel Butter Bars are not just a dessert; they are a delightful experience
- The burst of buttery flavor combined with sweet and salty notes creates a heavenly treat
- Perfect for parties or a simple indulgence, they will leave everyone craving for more
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best way to achieve perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars is to bake them at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Start with preparing your caramel while the crust bakes, ensuring everything comes together smoothly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving. pumpkin chocolate chip muffins This twist can elevate the flavor profile and make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Salted Caramel Butter Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Be cautious when making your salted caramel; it can go from perfect to burnt in seconds
- Always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution
- If you want extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the batter for delightful crunchiness
Sometimes I whip up these Salted Caramel Butter Bars for gatherings, and my friends’ faces light up with joy! It’s always heartwarming to see them savor each bite.
FAQ
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious results.
What if my caramel turns out too hard?
If your caramel is too hard, you may have cooked it too long; try cooking at lower heat next time.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Experience the ultimate treat with Salted Caramel Butter Bars—a delightful combination of a buttery crust and a rich, gooey caramel center. With each bite, enjoy the perfect blend of sweet and salty that will have your taste buds dancing. These bars are not only simple to prepare but also an instant crowd-pleaser, making them perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together heavy cream, brown sugar, and salt until bubbling; simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour warm caramel over the baked crust, then crumble remaining dough on top. Bake for another 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top immediately after removing from the oven. Allow to cool before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
