why make this recipe
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are rich, sweet, and easy to make. You get a soft buttery base and a gooey caramel top with a bit of salt. This treat is great for a party or a simple dessert at home.
introduction
This recipe uses simple ingredients and little work. You bake a buttery crust, add caramel, and finish with sea salt. It is a good choice when you want a fast, tasty dessert. For a different caramel cake idea, try this butterscotch cake with caramel frosting.
how to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Follow the steps in the Directions. Press the dough into a pan, bake, pour caramel over it, then bake a bit more. Let it cool so the caramel sets. Cut into bars and add a pinch of sea salt on top.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for topping
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Once out of the oven, pour the caramel sauce over the baked crust evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle with sea salt before cutting into bars.
- Serve and enjoy!
how to serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Cut the bars into squares. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. They go well with coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a different cookie-style treat, see these brown butter sourdough discard chocolate chip cookies.
how to store Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Let bars cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
tips to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Use good quality caramel sauce for best flavor.
- Press the crust evenly so the caramel sits flat.
- Do not skip the sea salt — it balances the sweetness.
- If caramel is very thick, warm it slightly to pour easily.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped nuts on top before the final bake for crunch.
- Mix a little vanilla or bourbon into the caramel for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of sea salt and flaky salt for a different finish.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade caramel?
A: Yes. Warm it so it pours easily, then follow the same steps.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and check texture as you mix.
Q: What pan size should I use if I don’t have 9×13?
A: Use a pan with similar volume. A slightly smaller pan will make thicker bars; adjust bake time.
Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes. Wrap bars well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge then bring to room temp.
Conclusion
If you want other takes on salted caramel bars, check this recipe: Salted Caramel Butter Bars | The BEST Cookie Bar recipe ever!!. You can also see another version here: Salted Caramel Butter Bars | The Domestic Rebel.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Once out of the oven, pour the caramel sauce over the baked crust evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then sprinkle with sea salt before cutting into bars.