Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich caramel paired with a buttery crust and a hint of salt creates a mouthwatering treat.
- Easy to Make: With only a few simple ingredients, these bars come together quickly and easily.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of a crisp crust and a smooth, chewy caramel filling offers the ideal dessert bite.
- Customizable: Add chocolate or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix the flour, powdered sugar, and salt, then add softened butter and combine until crumbly. Press the dough into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, then add vanilla and salt.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the caramel is golden and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, let cool completely, then slice into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?
Yes, but sea salt is recommended for its texture and delicate flavor.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, they store well for several days and can be made ahead of time.
How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?
Be sure not to overcook the caramel. If it becomes too firm, you can gently reheat it with a little butter to soften it.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, chocolate chips can be added to the caramel mixture or used as a topping.
How do I get clean cuts when slicing?
Chill the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours before cutting for cleaner, neater slices.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a rich, buttery treat with a perfect balance of sweet and salty. With their simple ingredients and delicious flavor, these bars are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent dessert that combines a buttery shortbread-like crust with gooey caramel filling, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This irresistible treat strikes the perfect balance of sweet and salty and is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customizable, these bars will become a favorite indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt)
For the Topping:
- ¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt, then add softened butter and combine until crumbly. Press the dough into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, then add vanilla and salt.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, until the caramel is golden and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, let cool completely, then slice into squares.
Notes
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra layer of flavor.
- Nuts: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel for added crunch.
