The aroma of melting butter mixed with the enticing scent of warm caramel can send anyone into a blissful daydream. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy bar where sweet meets salty in the most delightful way possible. Welcome to the world of salted caramel butter bars—a treat so good it should come with a warning label!
In my quest for the ultimate dessert to impress family and friends, I stumbled upon this gem. The first time I made these salted caramel butter bars for a gathering, there was silence as my guests savored every bite. The joy on their faces was priceless! Now, let’s get you ready to create this sweet masterpiece.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.
- The balance of sweet and salty flavors makes it utterly addictive.
- Each bar is visually appealing with its golden-brown hue and glossy caramel topping.
- Perfect for parties or cozy nights in while binge-watching your favorite show.
I still remember the amazed expressions on my friends’ faces when they took their first bites of these delicious salted caramel butter bars.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor; it helps control the saltiness.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor that will make these bars irresistible.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar balances the richness and enhances sweetness without overpowering.
- All-Purpose Flour: Stick with all-purpose flour for that perfect chewy texture; no fancy flours needed here.
- Baking Powder: This is essential for fluffiness; it helps give your bars a little lift without making them cake-like.
- Salt: A pinch is necessary for balancing sweetness; be generous with the sea salt for that signature flavor punch.
- Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract to elevate the overall flavor profile; imitation just won’t cut it here.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This ingredient helps create that gooey salted caramel layer that holds everything together beautifully.
- Sea Salt Flakes: For garnish—this adds a finishing touch that brings out all those wonderful flavors in every bite!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by assembling all your ingredients on the counter. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Create the Base Layer: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. This step should take about 3-4 minutes; watch for that airy texture.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. You want to avoid overmixing here; stop as soon as you can’t see any dry flour.
Press into Your Pan: Pour half of this mixture into your lined baking pan and press down evenly using your fingers or a spatula. It should create a nice base layer that will support your gooey topping.
Make the Caramel Layer: In a saucepan over low heat, combine sweetened condensed milk with remaining brown sugar until melted and smooth. Stir continuously until you achieve that glossy appearance—about 5 minutes should do it!
Add Toppings & Bake: Pour your luscious caramel layer over the pressed dough base in the pan. Crumble the remaining dough mixture over the top before sprinkling sea salt flakes generously across it.
Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell divine! Allow cooling completely before slicing into squares.
These salted caramel butter bars are sure to become your new favorite treat! The combination of buttery goodness topped with rich caramel creates an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for sharing—or not!
Enjoy making these delectable bars! Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Salted Caramel adds a rich, decadent flavor to butter bars.
- Ensure your caramel is smooth; lumpy caramel means trouble!
- These bars can be a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or just indulging on a cozy night in.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Start by mixing the butter and sugar until fluffy, then gradually add the flour and salt. This order ensures everything combines seamlessly, leading to that perfect buttery texture.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. A sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving can elevate the sweetness of the salted caramel, making it irresistible!
Storing & Reheating
Store your salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For reheating, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality butter for richer flavor; it truly makes a difference.
- Be patient when making caramel; stirring too quickly can lead to uneven textures.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting; they set better this way.
It was during a family gathering that I first made these salted caramel butter bars, and let me tell you, they vanished faster than my cousin’s diet plan after a pizza party!
FAQ
What is the best way to cut salted caramel butter bars?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts for perfect squares.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They store well and can be made a few days in advance.
What if my caramel turns grainy?
If this happens, gently reheat it while stirring continuously until smooth again.
Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Indulge in these heavenly salted caramel butter bars, where buttery richness meets gooey caramel in each irresistible bite. Perfect for sharing or enjoying alone!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
- Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt sweetened condensed milk with remaining brown sugar until smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Pour caramel over the base layer and crumble the remaining dough on top. Sprinkle generously with sea salt.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For added texture, consider incorporating chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the dough.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
