Introduction
Welcome to a delightful dessert journey that will tickle your taste buds and warm your heart! These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are an irresistible treat, combining the richness of buttery dough with a sweet, gooey caramel filling—perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, these bars bring a touch of bakery magic right into your home. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
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 grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent the delicious bars from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and absolutely heavenly.
- Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before introducing the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined, creating a fluffy dry mix.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix—little pockets of butter will give you that wonderful texture!
- Spread half of the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, creating a base that’s ready to cradle the rich caramel.
- Drizzle half of the luscious caramel sauce over the first layer of dough, letting it seep into the crevices for bursts of sweet flavor.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining dough over the caramel layer, gently spreading it to cover as much as possible—don’t worry if some caramel peeks through!
- Finish by drizzling the remaining caramel sauce on top of the dough and sprinkle generously with sea salt to elevate those flavors.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for a bit before slicing them into squares and serving. The smell will be irresistible!
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor. If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time, they store beautifully in an airtight container for several days—but they shouldn’t last that long, as they are too delicious to resist!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe employs the classic technique of creaming butter and sugars, which is essential to achieving that light and airy texture in your bars. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results. Mixing the flour just until combined helps keep the bars tender—nobody likes a dense dessert!
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, using salted butter can add a nice flavor, but be sure to adjust the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.
What can I use instead of caramel sauce?
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own caramel sauce from scratch, but store-bought works just as well for a speedy treat!
How can I tell when the bars are done?
Look for a golden edge and a toothpick that comes out clean from the center. The top may look slightly soft but will set as it cools.
Conclusion
With their sweet, buttery goodness and a delightful hint of salt, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are bound to become a family favorite! Whether enjoyed as a midday snack or a special dessert, each bite promises a memorable experience. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and indulge in the sweet, irresistible flavors that await!