Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Introduction
Salted Caramel Butter Bars offer the perfect blend of rich, buttery crust and luscious caramel, topped with a delightful sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These bars are an irresistible treat that balance sweet and salty flavors beautifully, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Let it cool slightly.
- Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk, then simmer while stirring for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then pour the caramel filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Step 6: Bake the assembled bars for 12 to 15 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
- Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top, then lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into 12 to 16 bars.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality, European-style butter for a richer crust and enhanced flavor.
- Choose flaky sea salt for topping to add a delightful crunch and nuanced saltiness.
- Allow bars to cool completely, or chill in the fridge before slicing for clean cuts and best texture.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel layer for extra texture.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving or enjoy them chilled. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer a softer texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure.
How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?
Do not overbake the caramel layer and allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. Using sweetened condensed milk helps keep the caramel soft and creamy.
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Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delectable treat combining a rich, buttery crust with a luscious, smooth caramel filling enhanced by a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Baked to golden perfection, these bars perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors, creating a mouthwatering dessert that’s perfect for any occasion — from holiday gatherings to casual snacking.
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges overhang for easy bar removal later.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix using a fork or your hands until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove and allow the crust to cool slightly in the pan.
- Prepare Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir in packed brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Maintain a gentle simmer, stirring constantly for 4–5 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
- Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor complexity.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the thickened caramel evenly over the warm crust. Spread it out gently using a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, chill in the refrigerator to help the caramel set firmly.
- Add Salt Topping and Slice: Once cooled, sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt evenly over the top. Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan and slice into 12 to 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsalted butter, preferably European-style, for richer flavor and texture.
- Flaky sea salt is essential for the topping to provide the ideal salty crunch and enhance caramel flavor.
- Allow bars to cool completely, even refrigerate if possible, for clean slicing and caramel setting.
- Be cautious not to overbake the caramel layer to avoid a dry or overly hard texture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salted caramel bars, caramel butter bars, caramel dessert, sweet and salty dessert, easy baked bars, homemade caramel bars
