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.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Indulging in these mouthwatering bars can be the perfect finale to any delightful meal or a cozy gathering.
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Rich Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream balances the sweetness and adds a creamy contrast, making each bite heavenly.
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Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries offer a tart flavor that cuts through the richness, refreshing your palate with every bite.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of a strong brew enhances the flavors, making for a delightful pairing with that gooey caramel sweetness.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate the dessert by adding a simple drizzle of melted chocolate on top. This creates a delightful mix of flavors and decadence.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of softly whipped cream provides lightness and elegance, underscoring the buttery richness of the bars.
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Nutty Granola: For a playful crunch, serve with nutty granola on the side. The added texture creates a charming contrast with the soft bars.
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Sweet Wine: A light dessert wine, like a Moscato, adds a wonderful sweetness that compliments the salted caramel beautifully.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle more caramel over the top just before serving to ramp up the indulgence factor!
Remember, the beauty of these Salted Caramel Butter Bars lies not just in their deliciousness, but in how they harmoniously interact with a variety of accompaniments. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas, and make your dessert experience truly memorable!
Make Ahead Options
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are absolutely perfect for meal prep, allowing you to indulge without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dough and press it into the pan up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Additionally, you can make the caramel sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the chilled caramel over the dough, sprinkle with sea salt, and proceed with baking as instructed. This approach not only saves you time but ensures that your bars are just as delicious and gooey!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful variations that will transform your salted caramel butter bars into something truly personalized and unforgettable!
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Nutty Twist: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy texture and enhanced flavor. The nuts will add warmth and depth, creating a delightful surprise in every bite.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars for a rich chocolatey finish. This classic combination of caramel and chocolate is simply irresistible!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness. Just a slight hint of spice will elevate your bars to a new level.
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Fruit Fusion: Top with sliced fresh fruits like bananas or strawberries after cooling for a refreshing twist. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the richness, making each bite even more vibrant.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend for a deliciously accommodating option. You’ll enjoy all the yummy flavors without compromising on texture.
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Caramel Swirl: Before baking, swirl in an extra 1/2 cup of caramel sauce into the dough for an ooey-gooey texture. Each bar will have an unexpected burst of caramel goodness that you won’t want to miss.
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Dairy-Free Delight: Swap out the butter for coconut oil and use non-dairy milk to create a plant-based version. The light coconut flavor will add a lovely twist to the rich caramel.
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Zesty Lemon: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavor. The acidity will cut through the sweetness, bringing a delightful balance to your bars.
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.
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! I recommend using unsalted butter for these Salted Caramel Butter Bars. This way, you can control the saltiness of your treat and achieve that rich, buttery flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
How long can I store these bars?
You can store your salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best texture. If you want them to stay fresh longer, pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but be sure to let them come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your bars, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just let them thaw at room temperature or microwave them for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit too sticky, don’t worry! Just sprinkle in a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a more manageable consistency. It’s essential to mix gently, preventing the dough from becoming too tough!
Are these bars suitable for pets or people with allergies?
While these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat for humans, they are not suitable for pets due to the sugar and butter content. For those with allergies, always ensure the ingredients you use don’t contain allergens like nuts or gluten. You can substitute gluten-free flour if needed!
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Very! Feel free to toss in some chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, into the caramel layer for an added crunch. Just remember to adjust your baking time slightly and keep an eye on them. That extra texture brings a lovely surprise to each bite!
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 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
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the mixture. Stir until a smooth dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the pressed dough evenly.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes generously on top of the caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Cool the bars in the pan before cutting them into squares.
