Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat—Salted Caramel Butter Bars! These bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a deliciously rich flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. I remember the first time I brought them to a family gathering; the entire tray disappeared in minutes! Everyone was raving about how gooey and decadent they were, and I couldn’t help but feel proud. Honestly, they’re super easy to whip up and are always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll want to make these for every occasion, from potlucks to cozy movie nights. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re a must-try dessert for any sweet lover!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup sea salt for topping
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bars bake evenly and come out just right. So, let that oven warm up while you gather your ingredients and get mixing!
Creaming the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a good old wooden spoon—whatever you have on hand! You’re aiming for a light and fluffy texture here, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know you’re there when it looks pale and airy. Trust me, this step sets the stage for that rich flavor we all love!
Mixing in Dry Ingredients
Next, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently mix in the all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful not to overwork it—just mix until everything is combined. You want a nice dough without any dry patches, but overmixing can lead to dense bars, and we don’t want that!
Pressing the Mixture
Now, grab your greased baking pan and evenly press the mixture into the bottom. Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to flatten it down—make sure it covers the entire base uniformly. This step is key for even baking, so take your time!
Baking the Bars
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for a light golden color around the edges. This is when the magic starts to happen!
Adding Caramel and Sea Salt
Once they’re done, carefully remove the bars from the oven. Drizzle that luscious caramel sauce generously over the top. Oh wow, it’s going to smell amazing! Then, sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast that makes these bars irresistible.
Final Baking
Return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it—look for bubbling caramel as a sign that they’re ready. You want everything to meld together beautifully.
Cooling and Serving
Finally, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This is important because it helps them set and makes slicing so much easier. Once they’re cooled, you can dive into those gooey, delicious salted caramel butter bars. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my top tips! First, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps achieve that dreamy, fluffy texture when creaming with the sugars. Also, for the best flavor, use high-quality caramel sauce; it really makes a difference! When it comes to storage, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week; they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. If you want to indulge later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just make sure to wrap them well! And don’t forget to serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an even more decadent treat. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional data per serving for my Salted Caramel Butter Bars. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
This is based on a serving size of one bar, and believe me, these bars are so rich and satisfying that one is usually enough to satisfy your sweet tooth!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Absolutely, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand! Just keep in mind that it will add a bit more saltiness to your bars. If you go this route, I’d recommend reducing the additional salt in the recipe to about half a teaspoon to balance the flavors. But honestly, the rich, buttery goodness will still shine through!
How do I store leftover bars?
Storing your leftover Salted Caramel Butter Bars is super easy! Just pop them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to a week. They actually get even more delicious as they rest! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them too. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for about 3 months—perfect for those late-night cravings!
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Of course! To make these delicious bars gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your caramel sauce is also gluten-free. Some brands may contain gluten, so it’s always wise to read the labels. You might need to experiment a bit with the flour ratio, but I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that works beautifully in recipes like this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 45 minutes!
- Rich, buttery flavor that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect balance of sweet and salty for every palate.
- Crowd-pleaser at gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Versatile treat that can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Great for meal prep—make a batch and enjoy throughout the week.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying your Salted Caramel Butter Bars, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s like a little slice of heaven! You can also pair them with a rich cup of coffee or a comforting hot chocolate for the ultimate treat. If you’re feeling extra fancy, try serving them alongside a drizzle of chocolate ganache or even fresh berries for a pop of color. These bars are perfect on their own, but a little extra indulgence never hurts, right? Enjoy every sweet moment!