When the first whispers of autumn breeze in, there’s an undeniable urge to create something indulgent in the kitchen. I found myself yearning for a treat that beautifully marries gooey sweetness with a touch of savory—enter my Salted Caramel Butter Bars. These delightful bars are the perfect antidote to humdrum fast food, transforming simple ingredients into a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.
Picture this: your oven gently warming the kitchen as the scent of brown sugar and melting butter fills the air. As you press the buttery dough into the pan, pouring a luscious caramel sauce over the top, you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste. With just a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavors, these bars promise to become your go-to recipe for gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just someone who loves homemade food, this quick and easy recipe beckons you to trade in those takeout menus for a slice of homemade bliss. Ready to bring a little magic to your dessert table? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- The harmonious blend of buttery flavor with rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress.
- Versatile enough to be served at parties or enjoyed as a cozy dessert at home, they fit any occasion beautifully.
- With a total prep and cook time of just 45 minutes, you’ll have these crowd-pleasers ready in no time, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Ingredients
Discover the simple yet delightful ingredients that make up these irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars!
For the Dough
• Unsalted butter – helps achieve a rich, creamy texture essential for the bars.
• Brown sugar – adds a deep, molasses-like flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
• Granulated sugar – balances sweetness and ensures a perfectly light, airy bar.
• All-purpose flour – the backbone of your dough, providing structure.
• Baking powder – gives the bars a slight lift for that perfect softness.
• Salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
For the Topping
• Caramel sauce – the star of your bars, adding gooey goodness and richness.
• Sea salt flakes – a sprinkle on top brings the sweet and salty flavor profile to life.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bars cook evenly, achieving that perfect golden brown color.
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Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Mix until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes; this creates the ideal buttery texture.
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Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the buttery mixture. Stir gently until a smooth dough forms, keeping it well-mixed but not overworked.
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Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan. Use your hands or a spatula to make sure it’s evenly distributed, which will help create an even base.
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Pour the luscious caramel sauce over the pressed dough evenly. Take a moment to see how the caramel starts to glisten; it’s all part of the magic!
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Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously on top of the caramel. The salty burst will perfectly complement the sweet flavors; don’t be shy!
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Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Keep a watchful eye, as this is when your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma.
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Cool the bars in the pan before cutting them into squares. Allowing them to set will help achieve those clean edges when you slice!
Optional: Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top before serving for an indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Variations
Get ready to embrace your creativity with these delicious twists on the classic recipe!
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour for equally delightful bars.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the base for added crunch and flavor. Nuts can elevate the texture, making every bite exciting!
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it over the bars after they cool for a rich, contrasting sweetness. Imagine a glossy chocolate finish that enhances the caramel’s richness!
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Caramel Swirl: Mix an extra half cup of caramel sauce into the dough before pressing it into the pan. The result? A lovely swirl of caramel in every bite!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the caramel for a surprising heat that beautifully contrasts the sweetness. It’s an exciting twist worth trying if you’re adventurous!
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Coconut Bliss: Fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut into the butter mixture for a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel. Each bite will transport you to sun-kissed beaches!
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Berry Blast: Top the caramel layer with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries for a fruity pop. The berries’ tartness adds a wonderful balance to the rich sweetness of the bars.
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Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough or drizzle a lemon glaze over the cooled bars for a fresh citrusy twist. It adds a light brightness that complements the richness beautifully!
How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Room Temperature: Store your salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and delicious.
Fridge: If you want to extend the freshness, keep the bars in the fridge for up to a week, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually for easy snacking later.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm treat, simply pop the thawed bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them at room temperature for a sweet, gooey bite.
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge in deliciousness without the last-minute rush. You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing it and pressing it into the pan; just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep it fresh. The caramel sauce can also be made up to 3 days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pour the chilled caramel over the prepared dough, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake as directed. Rest assured, your bars will be just as delightful as if they were made fresh on the spot!
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Treat your loved ones to a complete meal that brings warmth and joy to the table while showcasing these delectable bars.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This creamy scoop beautifully contrasts the buttery bars, creating a symphony of textures that melt in your mouth.
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Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: A rich chocolatey addition enhances the dessert’s sweetness while adding a luxurious feel to each bite.
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries will brighten your dessert platter, balancing the caramel’s richness beautifully.
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Coffee or Espresso: Brewed coffee pairs perfectly with these sweet treats, making for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner indulgence.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, a dollop of whipped cream adds a fluffy element that complements the decadent flavors without overwhelming them.
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Caramel Macchiato: Pair your bars with this sweet coffee drink for a delightful brunch option, elevating your dessert experience even further.
Let the flavors and textures of these pairings enhance your salted caramel adventure!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars have that perfect texture, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough after adding the flour, as this can lead to tougher bars instead of the desired soft and chewy consistency.
- When pressing the dough into the pan, use an even pressure to avoid any air pockets, which will create a more uniform base for your caramel.
- Keep an eye on your bars while baking; if you notice them browning too quickly, you can tent them with foil to prevent burning while allowing the inside to cook through.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of butter should I use?
Absolutely use unsalted butter for this recipe! It allows you to control the salt content precisely, balancing the sweetness of the caramel perfectly. Softening the butter is key, so let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before you begin.
How should I store my Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
You can store your Salted Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 5-7 days. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! To freeze your Salted Caramel Butter Bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring there’s no air getting in, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
What if my caramel sauce is too thick?
I’ve faced this too! If your caramel is too thick to easily pour, just warm it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat. This should make it pourable without compromising the flavor or texture.
Are these bars suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars do not contain nuts, making them a great choice for nut-free diets. However, always check your specific ingredients for cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with severe allergies.
How can I prevent the bars from becoming too dry?
To avoid dryness, make sure not to overbake your bars! Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center when they come out of the oven. Once cool, they should remain chewy and delicious.
Equipment
- large bowl
- 9×13 inch pan
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup Brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
For the Topping
- 1 cup Caramel sauce warmed
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt flakes for sprinkling
Instructions
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
- Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the dough in the pan.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top of the caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool completely before cutting into bars.
