Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits); ⅓ cup heavy cream; ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

Jump to Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect balance of buttery, sweet, and salty flavors, then Salted Caramel Butter Bars are about to become your new obsession. These bars are a dreamy combination of a rich, tender buttery crust layered with luscious melted caramel and finished with a flaky, buttery crumble on top. They deliver decadence in every bite, seamlessly marrying the warm, gooey caramel with just the right sprinkle of sea salt that elevates each mouthful. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or to impress friends at a gathering, these bars truly stand out as a delightful treat that’s hard to resist.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in making your Salted Caramel Butter Bars irresistible. From the soft, creamy butter that gives that melt-in-your-mouth texture, to the perfect amount of sea salt that strikes the ideal sweet-salty harmony, every element is essential. Let’s walk through what you’ll need:

Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures easy mixing and a smooth, tender dough.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, airy crust.
Powdered sugar: Blends smoothly and contributes to the silky texture of the dough.
Vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth with a warm, comforting aroma.
All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy yet soft base and topping layers of the bars.
Caramel candies or soft caramel bits: The star of the filling, providing a rich, melty caramel center.
Heavy cream: Smooths out the caramel to the perfect consistency.
Coarse sea salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the caramel’s buttery richness.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang on the sides makes lifting the bars out so much easier after baking. This little prep step will save you from a sticky situation later, trust me.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Next up, cream together the softened butter with both sugars until your mixture looks light and fluffy—this is key for the perfect texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the flour. You’ll want a thick dough at the end that’s soft but not too sticky. This dough forms the delicious crust and topping layers of your bars.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Bottom Layer

Take about half to two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This sturdy layer serves as the foundation for all that luscious caramel goodness. Bake it for 20 minutes until it’s just turning golden—you want it sturdy but still tender enough to meld with the caramel.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling

While your crust is baking, melt the caramel candies along with the heavy cream. You can do this gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring frequently until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This warm caramel filling will be the gooey highlight of the Salted Caramel Butter Bars.

Step 5: Layer the Caramel

Once the crust has taken a lovely golden hue, pull it out and pour the velvety caramel evenly over the top. Spread it gently to cover every inch, then sprinkle with coarse sea salt. The salt is what really makes this dessert sing, cutting through the sweetness and highlighting that deep caramel flavor.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Now grab the remaining dough and crumble it liberally over the caramel layer. No need to press it down—letting it be a bit rustic adds a lovely buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the caramel underneath.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return the whole pan to the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a golden, set topping that’s firm but still yielding just a bit when touched. This second bake marries all those flavors and textures together into pure bar bliss.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Patience is a virtue here. Allow your Salted Caramel Butter Bars to cool completely before slicing. For neat slices that hold their shape, pop the cooled bars in the fridge for about an hour. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out easily and slice with a sharp knife. It’s totally worth the wait!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving enhances the salty-sweet magic of the bars. For a festive touch, add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few chopped nuts. If you’re feeling decadent, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes each bite even more dreamy.

Side Dishes

These bars are pretty rich on their own, so pairing them with something simple works best. Fresh berries add a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the buttery sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or tea also complements them beautifully, turning snack time into a cozy little celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Wrap individual Salted Caramel Butter Bars in parchment or decorative baking paper tied with twine to create delightful, homemade gifts. For parties, cut them into smaller bites and arrange on a pretty platter with a sprinkle of gold dust or edible glitter to wow your guests. These bars also make fantastic layered desserts when broken up and combined with whipped cream in parfait glasses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Salted Caramel Butter Bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is on the warmer side, refrigeration is a good idea to prevent the caramel from becoming too soft.

Freezing

To enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze wonderfully for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars a little warm, reheat individual portions gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the caramel and revives that melty, gooey experience that makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars so addictive.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to stick with unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely. Using salted butter may make the bars too salty, especially combined with the sea salt topping.

What can I substitute for caramel candies?

If you can’t find caramel candies, soft caramel bits or even homemade caramel sauce work well. Just make sure it’s soft and creamy to create that gooey filling.

Is it necessary to use coarse sea salt?

Coarse sea salt gives little bursts of salty flavor and a nice crunch. You can use fine salt, but the effect will be less pronounced.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for flour. The texture might be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.

How thick should I spread the bottom layer of dough?

About half to two-thirds of your dough should be pressed evenly to form a sturdy base—roughly 1/2 inch thick. This supports the caramel without becoming too hard or crumbly.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, they’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your dessert lineup. The blend of buttery crust, luscious caramel, and just the right hint of salt creates an unforgettable taste experience that feels both comforting and special. Whether for a holiday treat, a casual coffee break, or gifting to loved ones, these bars promise smiles and happy taste buds. Give them a try—you deserve this little indulgence!

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious salted caramel layer and a crumbly buttery topping. Perfect for caramel lovers, these bars combine sweet and salty flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a decadent treat.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust and Topping:

1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Filling:

1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

Instructions

Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a thick dough forms.
Press and Bake the Bottom Layer: Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Caramel: While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined.
Layer the Caramel: Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel over the crust. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with sea salt.
Add the Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the caramel layer. Don’t press it down—just sprinkle it to create a rustic, buttery topping.
Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.
Cool and Slice: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for 1 hour after cooling. Use the parchment overhang to lift and slice cleanly.

Notes

Use soft caramel bits if unwrapped caramel candies are not available for easier melting.
Adjust the sea salt amount on top according to your salt preference to balance the sweetness.
Make sure the butter is at room temperature to achieve a smooth and consistent dough.
Chilling the bars after baking helps achieve cleaner slices and firmer bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American