The moment you sink your teeth into a salted caramel butter bar, the world pauses. The smoothness of the buttery base mingles with the rich, gooey caramel, creating a heavenly experience that dances on your taste buds. The salty finish adds just the right amount of zing, making these treats dangerously addictive.
Picture this: It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’re cozied up in your favorite blanket. The aroma of freshly baked salted caramel butter bars wafts through the air, beckoning you like a siren’s call. It’s the perfect treat for movie marathons, family gatherings, or simply indulging yourself after a long week—trust me; they won’t last long!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These salted caramel butter bars are incredibly easy to whip up in just one bowl.
- The flavor is a delightful balance of sweet and salty that everyone will love.
- They look stunning with their glossy topping and rustic edges.
- Perfect for bake sales or cozy nights at home with loved ones.
I still remember the first time I made these bars; my friends devoured them in minutes and demanded round two!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for rich flavor; it’s essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works beautifully here—dark gives deeper flavors while light keeps things sweeter.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps create that delightful crispy top layer.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard all-purpose flour keeps the texture right where it should be—chewy but not too dense.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors perfectly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds warmth and depth; it’s like a hug in every bite.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is your secret weapon for creating luscious caramel goodness!
- Sea Salt Flakes: For that finishing touch of salty goodness; sprinkle generously over the warm bars before slicing.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheating Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Making the Base: In a large mixing bowl, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar until combined and smooth; this is where the magic begins!
Adding Dry Ingredients: Mix in 2 cups of all-purpose flour along with ½ teaspoon of salt until just combined. Don’t overmix! You want that tender texture we all crave.
Creating Caramel Bliss: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine one can (14 oz) of sweetened condensed milk with 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir continuously until thickened and bubbly—about 5-7 minutes.
Layering Your Bars: Pour half of your buttery batter into the prepared pan as your base layer. Spread it evenly before adding your homemade caramel mixture on top—don’t hold back; drizzle it lovingly!
Finishing Touches: Spoon the remaining batter over the caramel layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown on top—the aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen like moths to a flame.
Cooling Down Before Serving: Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top for that irresistible salty-sweet combination—and enjoy every bite!
These salted caramel butter bars will become your go-to dessert recipe for any occasion!
You Must Know
- These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
- The rich flavors and gooey texture create a delightful experience that will leave everyone wanting more.
- With the right balance of sweetness and saltiness, these bars will steal the show at your next gathering.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make the best Salted Caramel Butter Bars, prepare the crust first while preheating your oven. Bake it until golden brown, then let it cool before adding the caramel layer to ensure perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap regular flour for gluten-free flour or add nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. You can even sprinkle some sea salt on top for an extra flavor kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Salted Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you need to reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds just to soften.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always measure your ingredients accurately; too much flour can dry out the bars.
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Allow cooling time before slicing for clean, perfect squares that won’t crumble on your plate.
My friend once brought these Salted Caramel Butter Bars to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than I could say “yum.” Everyone raved about them, making me realize how a simple recipe can create unforgettable moments.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly if you’re short on time.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden edge and soft center; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Can I freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent delight with a chewy, buttery base and rich caramel topping, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- Sea salt flakes (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Mix in flour and salt until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk and brown sugar; stir continuously until thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan as the base layer. Spread the caramel mixture on top, then drizzle with remaining batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before sprinkling with sea salt and cutting into squares.
Notes
- For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
- Add nuts for a crunchy texture or use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
