If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances rich, buttery textures with the irresistible allure of caramel and a touch of salt, you have to try this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe. This indulgent dessert boasts a tender, crumbly crust layered beneath velvety caramel, all topped with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt that brings everything to life. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these bars offer a perfect slice of comfort with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the luscious caramel filling and the final hint of sea salt, every component adds a layer of deliciousness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base of the bars.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and a smooth texture to the crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Gives the crust its rich, flaky texture and buttery flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness in the dough to enhance all flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Injects warm, aromatic notes that uplift the entire bar.
- 1 (11 oz) bag of soft caramels (about 35 caramels): The star ingredient for the luscious, gooey filling.
- 1/3 cup heavy cream: Blends with the caramels to create a smooth, decadent caramel layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling): Adds the signature salty crunch that elevates the bars.
How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Then, incorporate the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique is key for creating a flaky, tender crust. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma. Press half of this dough firmly and evenly into your prepared pan. Bake this base for 15 minutes until it’s just lightly golden – this gives you the perfect foundation for your bars.
Step 2: Make the caramel filling
While the crust is baking, combine the soft caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to ensure the caramels melt smoothly without burning. This creamy caramel mixture is what makes this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe so irresistible—smooth, luscious, and rich, it’s the heart of the bars.
Step 3: Assemble the layers and finish baking
Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the melted caramel over it and spread evenly to cover the entire surface. Then crumble the remaining half of your dough right over this caramel layer—this top “streusel” effect adds delightful texture. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and smells amazing. Immediately after baking, sprinkle the surface with the sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty contrast that makes you want to savor every bite.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, consider adding a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. A few extra flakes of sea salt on top can heighten the crunchy-salty highlight that makes these bars so unique. For a fun touch, garnish with chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, to add crunch and earthy flavor.
Side Dishes
These bars are decadent enough to stand alone, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream can elevate the experience even more. A hot cup of coffee or a rich black tea makes a perfect companion, helping to balance sweetness and cleanse the palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a party, try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a fun finger-food presentation. Layer them in a pretty dessert tray with some fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color. You could also sandwich two bars together with a layer of caramel or chocolate ganache to create a caramel butter bar “cookie” that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salted Caramel Butter Bars keep remarkably well when stored. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure they are completely cooled before covering to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars well in advance, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, pop them in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Warming enhances the gooeyness of the caramel and softens the buttery crust, recreating that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramels?
Absolutely! Using store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient shortcut. If you go this route, reduce the amount of heavy cream to keep your caramel layer thick and luscious.
What type of butter is best for this recipe?
Unsalted butter is ideal because it allows you to control the amount of salt in the bars, especially since the recipe calls for sea salt topping as well. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed for the best crust texture.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing the bars?
To get neat slices, refrigerate the bars for 1 to 2 hours after they have completely cooled. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts to prevent the caramel from sticking and dragging.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
You certainly can adapt this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful that texture may vary slightly.
Is it necessary to sprinkle sea salt on top?
While the bars will still taste delicious without the sea salt topping, the sprinkle adds that perfect sweet-salty contrast that brings out the best in the caramel and buttery crust. It’s highly recommended!
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to desserts for any occasion. It’s got that incredible contrast of soft, buttery crumb, smooth caramel, and just the right amount of salt to keep your taste buds dancing. If you want a show-stopping treat that’s surprisingly simple to make, I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it disappear fast!
Print
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent and irresistible dessert featuring a buttery crust, a smooth caramel layer, and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty balance. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, they deliver rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust and Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Filling
- 1 (11 oz) bag of soft caramels (about 35 caramels)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden around the edges.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the crust is baking, melt the soft caramels and heavy cream together in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour the melted caramel over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Remaining Dough: Crumble the remaining half of the dough over the caramel layer in even pieces to form a rustic topping.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set.
- Finish and Cool: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 24 pieces.
Notes
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for 1–2 hours after they have cooled completely.
- To save time, you can substitute store-bought caramel sauce, but reduce the heavy cream amount to keep the caramel layer thick.
- Be sure to use cold butter to achieve a crumbly, tender crust texture.
- Use parchment paper lining for easy removal without breaking the bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
