Introduction
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that balances sweetness with a touch of savory, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are your answer! With a soft and buttery base perfectly contrasted by a rich caramel layer, every bite is a delightful experience. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for gatherings, movie nights, or just satisfying that sweet tooth craving. You might find yourself sneaking a second (or third) bar—they’re that good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is silky and well blended.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until everything is fully incorporated and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed and fluffy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom to form a lovely base.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter, ensuring to leave some space around the edges for expansion during baking.
- Pour the remaining batter over the caramel layer, spreading it gently to completely cover the sweet surprise underneath.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan. This may take a little patience, but it’s worth it!
- Before cutting into bars, drizzle more caramel sauce on top for that extra indulgence.
- Garnish with sea salt flakes for that perfect salty-sweet balance and enjoy every delicious bite!
Notes or Tips
- If you like your dessert extra gooey, bake for slightly less time and check frequently.
- Feel free to use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, but trust me—they won’t last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Understanding the techniques involved is key to perfecting these bars. When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined to maintain the tender texture. Ensuring your butter is melted but not too hot will keep the sugars from cooking prematurely. And don’t skip the cooling step—it allows the bars to set up beautifully for cutting!
FAQ
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes! They freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
- What can I substitute for the butter? You can use a block of margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but the flavor will slightly change.
- How can I make these bars even more decadent? Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top with the caramel!
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful treat that your friends and family will rave about! With their perfect combination of buttery goodness and sweet caramel, they truly are a slice of heaven. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Happy baking!