Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of baking these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! Seriously, there’s something magical about the way butter, sugar, and a touch of salt come together to create a dessert that’s just pure bliss. The rich flavor of these bars is simply irresistible, and trust me, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or a surprise treat for your loved ones. I remember the first time I made these; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait for them to cool before devouring a piece! I could hardly resist going back for seconds (or thirds!). You’re going to fall in love with them just like I did! Let’s get baking!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious Salted Caramel Butter Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup sea salt for topping

Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps everything blend together beautifully! And don’t skip on the sea salt at the end; it’s the little finishing touch that makes these bars truly unforgettable!

How to Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Alright, let’s get into the fun part—bringing these Salted Caramel Butter Bars to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps the bars bake evenly and rise beautifully. So, set that temperature and let it warm up while you prep the rest!

Cream the Butter and Sugars

Now, grab a large bowl and cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. You want to mix this until it’s light and fluffy—think of it as giving your butter a nice spa day! This step is crucial because it creates the base for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Next, it’s time to bring in the dry ingredients. Add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything together until it’s just combined—don’t overdo it! We want a nice, cohesive batter, but a few flour streaks are totally okay. You’ll get a lovely aroma as everything comes together!

Press and Bake the Base

Now, press that delicious mixture into a greased baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to spread it evenly—this is your base, so make sure it’s nice and compact! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The edges will start to turn a light golden brown, which is exactly what you want!

Add the Caramel and Sea Salt

When the base is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for just a minute. Then, drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top—oh, the smell is heavenly! Right after that, sprinkle 1/2 cup of sea salt generously over the caramel. This is where the magic happens; that sweet and salty combo is what makes these bars so special!

Final Bake

Pop the pan back into the oven for another 10 minutes. This final bake allows the caramel to set just a bit and meld with the buttery goodness below. Keep an eye on it; you want it cooked through but not overdone!

Cool and Cut

Once your bars are out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan. I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me—give them some time! Once they’re cool, cut them into 16 pieces. You’ll be rewarded with perfect squares of deliciousness that are just waiting to be devoured!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store Salted Caramel Butter Bars?

Great question! To keep your Salted Caramel Butter Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed at room temperature, so don’t refrigerate them unless you absolutely have to. I find that letting them sit out for a bit before serving really brings out that rich flavor!

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! If you want to save some for later (or just can’t resist making a double batch!), you can freeze your bars. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours, and you’ll be back in caramel heaven!

What can I substitute for caramel sauce?

If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, there are some tasty alternatives! You could use store-bought butterscotch sauce for a different flavor twist, or even a homemade version if you’re feeling adventurous. Some folks love using chocolate sauce too, for a sweet and salty combo that’s out of this world. Just keep in mind that each option will bring its own unique flavor profile, so choose what sounds best to you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, where do I even start? You’re going to fall head over heels for these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! Here’s why they’re just perfection:

Quick Preparation: Seriously, you can whip these up in no time! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to go in about 45 minutes. Perfect for spontaneous cravings or last-minute gatherings!
Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and sweet caramel, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, creates a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s that sweet and salty mix that keeps you coming back for more—trust me!
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just treating your family, these bars are always a hit. They’re easy to cut into perfect squares, making them super shareable!
Customizable: Feeling adventurous? You can easily adapt this recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a different type of sauce if you want to shake things up!
Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored, so you can have a sweet treat ready whenever the mood strikes. Just make sure they’re hidden away from any sneaky snackers!

It’s hard to resist the allure of these bars. They bring comfort and joy, and trust me, you’ll be the star of any gathering when you share them!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips I’ve gathered from my own kitchen adventures:

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It’s super important to let your butter come to room temperature before you start. This helps it cream better with the sugars, leading to that fluffy texture we all love!
Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing in the dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough bars, and we want them to be soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Just mix until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden!
Grease Your Pan Well: Make sure to grease your baking pan really well before pressing in the mixture. This will help the bars come out easily and prevent any sticky situations later on!
Let Them Cool: I know it’s hard to resist the smell wafting through your kitchen, but letting the bars cool completely before cutting is key. This ensures clean cuts and perfect squares without any gooey mess!
Experiment with Toppings: Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, feel free to get creative! Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra special touch. The world is your oyster!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some show-stopping Salted Caramel Butter Bars that will have everyone asking for your secret! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional info for these delightful Salted Caramel Butter Bars. Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates:

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Remember, while these bars are an indulgent treat, a little sweetness can go a long way! Enjoy them in moderation, and savor every delicious bite!

What to Do Next

I can’t wait to hear how your Salted Caramel Butter Bars turn out! After you’ve baked a batch (or two!), please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. Did you try any fun twists or toppings? I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!

Also, if you’re on social media, snap a photo of your delicious creations and tag me! I’d be thrilled to see your beautiful bars and how they turned out. It’s such a joy to connect with fellow baking enthusiasts, and who knows—you might inspire someone else to dive into the delicious world of salted caramel!

Happy baking, and remember, every bite is a little piece of love you’re sharing with the world!

Salted Caramel Butter Bars: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious salted caramel butter bars with a rich flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 cup sea salt for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Add flour, vanilla, and salt, mixing until combined.
Press the mixture into a greased baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven and drizzle caramel sauce on top.
Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel.
Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Let cool before cutting into bars.

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Best served at room temperature.
Can be frozen for later use.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 220
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Salted Caramel Butter Bars

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