If you’re a fan of the sweet and salty combination, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. With a rich, buttery crust and a luscious caramel filling, these bars offer the perfect balance of flavors in every bite. They’re easy to make, utterly delicious, and sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
For the Filling:
- 1 bag (14 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sea salt, for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Directions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring that the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
- Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process usually takes a few minutes with an electric mixer.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a smooth dough forms.
- Form the Crust:
- Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to ensure an even layer.
- Reserve the other half of the dough for the topping.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the caramel filling.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the caramel.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the warm caramel mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges.
- Sprinkle the caramel layer with the sea salt, distributing it evenly for that perfect sweet and salty contrast.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel layer, covering it as evenly as possible.
- Final Bake:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial for easy cutting and serving.
- Cut and Serve:
- Once the bars have cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the baking dish. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bars of your desired size. These bars are rich, so smaller pieces are often sufficient.
Time and Nutrition Information:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 350 kcal per serving
- Servings: 24 bars
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before cutting. The combination of chocolate, caramel, and butter will take these bars to the next level.
- Cooling Time: Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, even slices. This patience will pay off when serving!
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself. Their rich, buttery flavor combined with the sweet and salty caramel filling makes them utterly irresistible. Be prepared to share the recipe because everyone who tastes them will want to know how to make these delightful treats!