Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite indulgence: Salted Caramel Butter Bars! These little squares of heaven are the perfect blend of rich, buttery goodness and that delightful touch of salty caramel that makes your taste buds sing. Seriously, every bite is like a warm hug on a chilly day! Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive party, or just a sweet treat for yourself after a long day, these bars fit the bill perfectly. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and oh-so-satisfying. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming about them long after the last crumb has vanished!
Ingredients for Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Salted Caramel Butter Bars. Gather the following ingredients and make sure you measure them out accurately for the best results:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, for sprinkling on top
These ingredients come together to create a wonderfully rich texture and flavor. Trust me, you won’t want to skip any of them! And remember, the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference, especially that buttery goodness!
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Let’s dive into the delicious process of making these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! It’s so simple, and I promise the end result will be absolutely worth it. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of these heavenly treats ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden brown finish!
- While the oven is heating, grab your trusty 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray to make sure nothing sticks.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing!
- Next, gently mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until everything is just combined. Don’t overdo it—you want it to come together without being tough!
- Now, take about two-thirds of the dough and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will be the base for your bars!
- Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the pressed dough. Oh, the aroma of that caramel is just heavenly!
- Next, crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Don’t worry about it being perfect; a rustic look is part of the charm!
- Finally, sprinkle that beautiful sea salt on top. This is what makes the flavors pop!
- Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are slightly firm.
- Once done, let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This waiting time is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Butter Bars
There are so many reasons to adore these Salted Caramel Butter Bars, and I can’t wait to share them with you! Here’s why they’ll become your go-to dessert:
- Rich Flavor: The combination of buttery goodness and sweet, salty caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible!
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping these up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night in, these bars are a hit!
- Make Ahead: They can be made in advance and stored, making them a fantastic option for busy weeks.
- Kid-Friendly: Everyone loves a sweet treat, and these bars are sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages!
Trust me, once you experience these delightful bars, they’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!
Tips for Success with Salted Caramel Butter Bars
To ensure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars turn out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, make sure your butter is softened, not melted. This helps create that creamy texture we all crave. Also, don’t skimp on the quality of your caramel sauce—homemade is fantastic if you have the time, but a good store-bought option works like a charm too!
Next, keep an eye on your baking time. Every oven is a bit different, so check your bars around the 25-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown and slightly firm at the edges but still soft in the center. And, oh boy, the cooling part is vital! Let them cool completely in the pan before cutting to allow them to set properly. Trust me, waiting will be the toughest part, but it’s oh-so-worth it!
Variations of Salted Caramel Butter Bars
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to customize your Salted Caramel Butter Bars! For a little crunch, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts right into the dough. It adds a delightful texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
Another option is to mix in some chocolate chips—dark chocolate or milk chocolate, it’s all delicious! You can also experiment with different types of caramel sauce; maybe a chocolate caramel or even a spiced caramel for a seasonal twist. And if you’re a fan of coconut, shredded coconut can be a fantastic addition! Get creative and make these bars uniquely yours!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Once you’ve made these heavenly Salted Caramel Butter Bars, you’ll want to savor every last bite! To store any leftovers, simply place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life for up to a week. Just make sure they’re covered well to prevent them from drying out.
If you’d like to enjoy them warm (and who wouldn’t?), you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, or they might get a bit gummy. A quick warm-up will bring back that deliciously gooey caramel goodness!
Nutritional Information for Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for each Salted Caramel Butter Bar. Keep in mind that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Enjoy these bars in moderation, and savor every rich, buttery bite!
FAQ About Salted Caramel Butter Bars
I know you might have some burning questions about these delicious Salted Caramel Butter Bars, so let’s dive into a few of the most common ones!
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Absolutely! If you prefer salted butter, just skip the added sea salt in the recipe. You’ll still get that wonderful salted caramel taste!
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
For clean cuts, I recommend using a sharp knife and running it under hot water before slicing. Wipe it dry between cuts for that perfect square shape!
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Look for a golden brown top and slightly firm edges. The center should be soft but not jiggly. They’ll continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft right out of the oven!
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips to the dough or drizzling some melted chocolate on top can take these bars to a whole new level of deliciousness. Yum!
Salted Caramel Butter Bars: 7 Irresistible Sweet Bites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel butter bars with a rich and buttery flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy.
- Mix in the flour and salt until combined.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the caramel sauce over the dough.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Salted Caramel Butter Bars, Dessert, Bars, Caramel