Salted caramel butter bars

If you’re searching for a mouthwatering dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth, our Salted Caramel Butter Bars are an absolute must-try! These bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the addition of real butter giving them a creamy, rich texture that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars are sure to make your dessert dreams come true. 

What are Salted Caramel Butter Bars?

Each bar contains a scrumptious layer of sweet, caramel-infused butter that’s sprinkled with just the right amount of flaky sea salt to give it added flavor. We then top them off with rich chocolate chips for an extra decadent experience.

The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes these bars truly unique and unforgettable. Plus, they’re easy to make and require just five simple ingredients. Our Salted Caramel Butter Bars are vegan-friendly so everyone can enjoy them together!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Butter Bars:

These salted caramel butter bars boast a short and sweet ingredient list! (Literally!) The combination of two sugars enhances the sweetness of the shortbread crust. For precise measurements, refer to the recipe card at the end of the post.

• Butter: Remember to allow the butter to sit on the counter for 2 hours to reach room temperature before creaming it to form the dough. This will result in a much smoother dough
• White Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the shortbread crust and topping.
• Powdered Sugar: With its less dense nature, it creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor.
• Vanilla: Opt for premium vanilla whenever possible for a more indulgent flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works best to achieve a crumbly texture.
• Bag of Caramels: Combine with heavy cream and vanilla, then microwave for one minute to melt.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds smoothness, and sweetness, and thins out the caramel for easy spreading over the shortbread crust.
• Salt: Coarse sea salt is the preferred choice, just be cautious not to overdo it!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 20

• Nutrition Facts:
• Calories: 425kcal (21%)
• Carbohydrates: 55g (18%)
• Protein: 4g (8%)
• Fat: 22g (34%)
• Saturated Fat: 13g (65%)
• Cholesterol: 56mg (19%)
• Sodium: 565mg (24%)
• Potassium: 81mg (2%)
• Fiber: 1g (4%)
• Sugar: 33g (37%)
• Vitamin A: 635IU (13%)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)
• Calcium: 41mg (4%)
• Iron: 1mg (6%)

Indulge in this delectable treat that serves up to 20 people. With 425kcal per serving, it contains a balanced combination of nutrients to fuel your day.

How To Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Prepare and Preheat: Begin by preheating the oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, lightly spraying it with cooking spray. These simple steps will ensure an easy clean-up.
• Whip up the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and powdered sugar until well combined. Add vanilla to the mixture and beat until everything is blended. Gradually mix in the flour, and continue until a soft and pliable dough forms.
• Bake and Chill: Firmly press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared 9×13 dish, setting aside the remaining dough in the refrigerator. Bake the dough in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, allowing it to develop a golden brown color. While the crust bakes, let’s move on to the next step.
• Create the Caramel Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and melt the caramels, heavy cream, and ½ tsp vanilla in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and silky. Evenly pour the caramel sauce over the hot crust, lightly sprinkling some coarse sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor. We don’t want it too salty, so use your discretion.
• Add the Finishing Touch: Retrieve the remaining dough from the refrigerator and crumble it over the caramel layer. This will create delightful pockets of doughy goodness in every bite. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbling and the top is nicely firm.
• Cool, Cut, and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into squares. This ensures that the caramel sets and the bars maintain their shape. Now, it’s time to indulge in these delectable treats with your loved ones.

Variations of salted caramel butter bars

Here are some creative ideas to elevate your baking experience:

• For caramel enthusiasts: Enhance the caramel flavor by substituting some or all of the granulated sugar with light brown sugar. Prepare to be amazed by the intensified taste!
• Flour alternatives: If you can’t have flour, fear not! Replace it with finely ground-rolled oats. Keep in mind that the dough will be slightly stickier, so chill it for a few hours before pressing it into your pan and baking it to perfection.
• Brown butter bliss: Take your crust to the next level by browning the butter. Yes, it’s possible! Cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a rich brown color. Remove any undesirable brown pieces, or leave them in for a rustic touch. Remember to chill the brown butter to room temperature before creaming it into the crust.
• Irresistibly melty caramels: Opt for soft caramel candies instead of the hard variety. They will melt much easier and create a luscious texture in every bite.
• Creamy substitute: No heavy cream on hand? Don’t worry! In a pinch, you can use milk or water as an alternative.

Baking Tips salted caramel butter bars

For achieving the utmost perfection in salted caramel butter bars, I have a few tips to offer. 

• Cool Dough: Before baking, ensure that your dough remains slightly cool. Avoid letting it get too warm; if necessary, chill the dough in the refrigerator before placing it in the oven. Additionally, after cooking, refrigerate the bottom layer of the crust for approximately 30 minutes before adding the caramel. This step guarantees a fully set crust.
• Microwave-Free: Opt for melting the caramels using a double boiler or a pan instead of the microwave. Simply stir the candies frequently over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Gradually incorporate the cream until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Mind the Mixing: Be cautious not to overmix the ingredients when forming the dough. Overmixing can introduce air, resulting in an oily crust that turns out tough or chewy after baking.

Storing Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Typically, my leftovers are quickly consumed, alleviating the need for storage concerns. However, in rare instances when a surplus arises, tightly wrap or pack them in an airtight container. These leftovers can then be stored in the refrigerator for 5-7 days or in the freezer for 3-4 weeks. If you prefer to prepare the dough ahead of time, it can be refrigerated for up to 10 days. When you’re prepared to whip up your delectable bars, simply retrieve the dough from the refrigerator.

FAQs of salted caramel butter bars

What pan do you use to make these bars?

The best pan to use for making these salted caramel butter bars is an 8×8 baking dish. You can also use a 9×13-inch baking dish, but the bars will not be as thick.

Where can I find the caramel candies?

The caramel candies for these salted caramel butter bars are usually available in the baking aisle of most grocery stores. You can also find them online at specialty baking stores.

Conclusion: salted caramel butter bars

All in all, salted caramel butter bars are an amazing snack to enjoy when you’re in need of something sweet and savory. If the idea of a deliciously salty-sweet treat appeals to you, head over to your favorite grocery store or specialty shop and grab some now! For those who opt for convenience, there are lots of online stores that offer these delightful bites as well. Plus, if the flavor isn’t for you after all, there’s always a wide variety of alternatives that will likely satisfy your cravings even more.

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