Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy, rich salted caramel filling. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and decadent flavor. The sweet and salty contrast makes them irresistible, making them a must-try dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up quickly.
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of buttery crust and creamy caramel creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Versatile Treat: Great for parties, holidays, or as an everyday dessert; they fit any occasion perfectly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them ideal for family gatherings.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare them in advance and store them for later enjoyment.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious salted caramel butter bars, gather the necessary tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Speeds up the mixing process and ensures your butter and sugars are well combined.
- 9×13 inch baking dish: The perfect size to bake your bars evenly without overcrowding.
- Saucepan: Ideal for melting caramel candies smoothly without burning.
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 Filling
- 14 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped (about 50 pieces)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Flake sea salt
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat together the salted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Press down firmly to create an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Filling
While the crust is baking, combine the unwrapped caramel candies, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the caramel mixture over the hot crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with flake sea salt to taste.
Step 5: Final Bake
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow cooling completely before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your homemade salted caramel butter bars!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These salted caramel butter bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their deliciousness. Here are some ideas to make your dessert experience even better.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream pairs perfectly with the rich caramel flavor, adding a nice contrast.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm salted caramel butter bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce
- For caramel lovers, drizzling additional caramel sauce on top adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Topped with Sea Salt
- Sprinkling flake sea salt enhances the sweet and salty balance, making each bite more flavorful.
Alongside Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing touch that complements the richness of the bars.
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 butter – This helps create a smooth and creamy texture in your dough.
- Don’t skip the sea salt – A sprinkle on top enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Chill before cutting – Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing for clean, neat edges.
- Use quality caramel candies – The better the caramel, the richer your bars will taste.
- Adjust baking time for your oven – Keep an eye on them; ovens vary, so check for golden edges rather than relying solely on time.
- Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Pairing side dishes with your salted caramel butter bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Chocolate Fondue – A warm chocolate dip is perfect for dipping bites of the buttery bars.
- Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing fruit salad provides a nice balance to the rich flavors.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can complement the sweetness while offering savory options.
- Coffee or Espresso – A strong cup of coffee pairs well with desserts, enhancing their flavors.
- Caramel Popcorn – For a fun twist, serve these bars alongside sweet and crunchy caramel popcorn.
- Mint Tea – A soothing mint tea can refresh your palate after enjoying these decadent treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To create the best salted caramel butter bars, avoid these common pitfalls.
- Using cold butter: Cold butter can lead to a tough crust. Always use room temperature butter for a tender texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bars dry. Use the spoon and level method for accuracy.
- Overcooking the caramel: Overcooked caramel can become hard and chewy. Keep an eye on it while melting to ensure it’s creamy.
- Skipping the flake sea salt: The flake sea salt balances sweetness. Don’t skip it for that perfect flavor contrast!
- Cooling too quickly: Rapid cooling can affect texture. Allow your bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to three months.
Reheating Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat bars for 10-15 minutes for a warm treat.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet on low heat, flipping gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making salted caramel butter bars.
Can I use unsalted butter instead?
You can use unsalted butter, but add a pinch of salt to maintain the flavor balance in your salted caramel butter bars.
How do I know when the caramel is ready?
The caramel should be smooth and pourable but not too thick. It should take about 5-7 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat.
Can I customize my salted caramel butter bars?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a layer of chocolate ganache for extra richness.
What is the best way to cut these bars?
For clean cuts, chill the bars before slicing with a sharp knife. This helps prevent sticking!
Final Thoughts
These salted caramel butter bars are delightfully rich and perfect for any occasion. Their buttery shortbread crust pairs beautifully with the creamy caramel layer. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, making each batch uniquely yours. Try this irresistible recipe today!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Salted Caramel Butter Bars, a decadent dessert that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich, creamy salted caramel filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion—be it a festive gathering, cozy family night, or a sweet treat just for you. The contrast of sweet and salty will have everyone reaching for seconds. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and simple preparation, these bars are an irresistible addition to your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups salted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 14 ounces caramel candies
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Flake sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, beat together salted butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually mix in all-purpose flour.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, melt caramel candies with heavy cream and vanilla extract in a saucepan over low heat until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the hot crust and sprinkle with flake sea salt.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
