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Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 91 reviews

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars combine a sweet, buttery crust with a rich, gooey caramel filling topped with a rustic buttery crumble and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect indulgent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Topping:

  • 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Filling:

  • 1 (14 oz) bag caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
  2. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a thick dough forms.
  3. Press and Bake the Bottom Layer: Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set remaining dough aside for the topping. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
  4. Prepare the Caramel: While the crust bakes, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined.
  5. Layer the Caramel: Remove the baked crust from the oven and pour the warm caramel over it. Spread evenly with a spatula and sprinkle sea salt on top.
  6. Add the Topping: Crumble the reserved dough evenly over the caramel layer. Do not press down; leave a rustic, buttery topping.
  7. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes or until the topping is set and lightly golden.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For the cleanest slices, chill in the fridge for 1 hour before removing using the parchment overhang to lift and slice cleanly.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature butter for the creamiest dough and best texture.
  • Don’t overbake the base or topping—it should be just lightly golden to maintain tenderness.
  • Stir the caramel constantly while melting to avoid scorching and ensure smoothness.

Keywords: Salted Caramel Bars, Butter Bars, Caramel Dessert, Gooey Bars, American Desserts, Sweet Bars, Homemade Caramel Bars

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/salted-caramel-butter-bars-recipe/