Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat that combines a rich, buttery crust with a luscious caramel filling topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible indulgence for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)
• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Allow the crust to cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Simmer while stirring for 4–5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
5. Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
6. Step 6: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
7. Step 7: Let the bars cool completely. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before slicing.
• Use dark brown sugar instead of light for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Make sure not to overcook the caramel to avoid bitterness; it should be thick but still pourable.
• If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the baking time by a few minutes.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week. To enjoy, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best caramel texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to prevent the bars from becoming too salty.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife and warm it slightly under hot water before slicing. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 51 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x

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Description

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent treat featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich and gooey caramel filling, finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect sweet and salty balance. These bars are baked to golden perfection and offer a luscious dessert experience ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)

For the Topping:

• 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix until you form a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel filling.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Add Flavorings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel’s flavor.
6. Assemble and Bake: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it out smoothly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes until the caramel layer is bubbly and golden.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, sprinkle the top generously with flaky sea salt for added texture and flavor. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 to 16 individual bars.

Notes

• Ensure the butter for the crust is softened, not melted, to achieve the perfect crumbly texture.
• Stir the caramel mixture continuously while simmering to prevent burning or sticking to the pan.
• Use flaky sea salt for the best texture and flavor contrast on top of the bars.
• Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• For easier cutting, chill the bars before slicing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Salted caramel bars, caramel dessert, buttery crust, sweet and salty dessert, homemade caramel bars, baked caramel treats