Salted Caramel Butter Bars – Easy & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the sweet goodness of caramel with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust, then salted caramel butter bars are a must-try. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special holiday celebrations. These bars offer the right balance of sweetness, saltiness, and a creamy texture, making them irresistible to anyone with a sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the recipe and learn how to make these delicious salted caramel butter bars from scratch!

A Perfect Dessert for Every Occasion

What makes salted caramel butter bars so special is their perfect combination of flavors and textures. The buttery shortbread crust is soft, while the luscious caramel layer provides just the right amount of chewiness. With a sprinkle of sea salt on top, these bars hit every note — sweet, salty, and smooth. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering, a birthday, or just a treat for yourself, these salted caramel butter bars are sure to impress.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Butter Bars

To make these salted caramel butter bars, you will need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and tenderness to the crust, giving it that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and helps it form the right texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Contributes to a finer, softer texture in the dough.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the crust and adds a warm, aromatic touch.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base for the buttery shortbread crust.
• Caramel Candies: The star of the dessert! They create the smooth, velvety caramel layer.
• Heavy Cream: Helps melt the caramels into a smooth, creamy texture for the filling.
• Sea Salt: Elevates the sweetness of the caramel and adds a touch of sophistication to the bars.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you need to make some swaps due to dietary preferences or ingredient availability, here are a few suggestions:

• Butter: You can substitute unsalted butter with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Granulated Sugar: Use coconut sugar or another unrefined sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Caramel Candies: If you’re avoiding refined sugars, look for natural caramel options or make your own caramel sauce from scratch.
• Heavy Cream: Coconut cream or almond cream are great dairy-free alternatives that work well in the caramel layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s go over the step-by-step process to make these delicious salted caramel butter bars:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars later.
2. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will ensure the bars have a soft, buttery texture.
3. Add the vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
4. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough begins to form. This will create a soft, crumbly dough that will form the base of your bars.
5. Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow it to cool for about 15 minutes while you prepare the caramel.
6. Prepare the caramel layer by placing the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.
7. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly across the surface. Sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel layer for that irresistible salted caramel taste.
8. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, gently pressing it to adhere. This will form the top layer of the bars.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the bars are firm to the touch.
10. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. Enjoy these decadent salted caramel butter bars!

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Making salted caramel butter bars is relatively simple, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:

• Be patient while cooling the crust: Let the crust cool for about 15 minutes before adding the caramel to prevent the layers from mixing.
• Don’t skip the sea salt: The salt not only enhances the flavor of the caramel but also balances out the sweetness of the bars.
• Check the caramel consistency: If the caramel is too runny, microwave it for a few more seconds until it thickens. It should have a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Store leftovers properly: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for longer shelf life.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

These salted caramel butter bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with other treats and drinks. Here are some ideas:

• Ice Cream: Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Coffee or Tea: The rich caramel flavor pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate, you can add a handful of chocolate chips to the caramel layer for a twist on the classic.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these salted caramel butter bars.

Seasonal and Health Benefits

These salted caramel butter bars are perfect for seasonal baking, especially during the holidays when caramel desserts are in high demand. Their comforting and decadent flavor makes them a hit at holiday parties and gatherings. Plus, while they may not be the healthiest option, you can always try healthier alternatives in the ingredients as mentioned above.

Conclusion

In conclusion, salted caramel butter bars are a mouthwatering dessert that effortlessly blends rich caramel with a buttery shortbread crust. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, these bars are easy to make yet offer an indulgent treat that will delight anyone who tries them. Whether for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or a sweet snack for yourself, these salted caramel butter bars will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, grab your ingredients and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Salted Caramel Cheesecake: A creamy and rich cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with luscious salted caramel sauce. This dessert shares the sweet-salty profile of the butter bars and is perfect for those who crave indulgence in every bite.
• Salted Caramel No-Bake Cheesecake: For a quick and effortless treat, this no-bake version delivers all the flavor of a traditional cheesecake with minimal effort. It mirrors the salted caramel butter bars in flavor and decadence, minus the oven time.
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake: A fall-inspired fusion dessert that combines the comforting flavor of apple pie with creamy cheesecake and a gooey layer of salted caramel. This recipe complements the butter bars with its similar textures and bold caramel notes.

Print