Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Dessert bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich flavors and a satisfying texture in a compact, easy-to-serve form. Among the plethora of dessert options available, few can rival the allure of decadent salted caramel butter bars. These treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, with a buttery base that melts in your mouth and a luscious salted caramel topping that elevates the experience to a heavenly level.

Discover the joy of baking with this decadent salted caramel butter bars recipe! These irresistible dessert bars combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base with a rich salted caramel topping, making them perfect for any occasion. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, they are simple to make and sure to impress. With the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, these bars are a must-try. Follow our step-by-step guide to create your own delicious confection. Enjoy a delightful baking adventure!

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Ingredients

For the Butter Bars:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Topping:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

½ cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt (or more, to taste)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Make the Butter Bars:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Butter Bars:

- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool in the pan while you prepare the caramel.

Make the Salted Caramel:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a deep amber color. This should take about 5-7 minutes—be patient and watch carefully to avoid burning.

- Once the sugar is melted, immediately add the cubed butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously; stir continuously until the butter is fully melted.

- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Be careful, as the mixture may bubble up again. Continue stirring until smooth and combined.

- Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Adjust the saltiness to your taste preference.

Assemble the Bars:

- Pour the salted caramel over the cooled butter bars, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

- Allow the caramel to set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For quicker results, refrigerate the bars for about 15-20 minutes until the caramel firms up slightly.

Serve:

- Once set, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the pan. Cut into squares or rectangles.

- Optionally, sprinkle a little extra sea salt on top for added flavor before serving.

Enjoy your sweet and salty delight with a cup of coffee or tea! Indulging in these salted caramel butter bars is sure to bring a smile to your face!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 24