introduction
These salted caramel butter bars are rich and simple. The crust is buttery and the top is sweet with a touch of sea salt. They bake fast and make a good dessert or snack. If you like butter bars, try this brown butter cookie idea too: brown butter cookies.
why make this recipe
- It uses few ingredients and little time.
- The mix of caramel and sea salt tastes great.
- You can make it for parties or a quick treat.
how to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
You make a simple shortbread crust, bake it, then pour warm caramel on top and finish with sea salt. Work with softened butter so the dough presses well. Use a 9×9 inch pan for even baking. For other easy bake ideas, see this bread recipe for inspiration: caramelized onion and gouda bread.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly, then pour the caramel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
how to serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Cut into squares and serve at room temperature. You can warm a bar for a few seconds in the microwave if you like the caramel soft. Serve with coffee, tea, or vanilla ice cream for extra richness.
how to store Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
tips to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Use softened butter, not melted, for the right crust texture.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan for uniform baking.
- Warm the caramel slightly so it spreads easily but not runny.
- Let the bars cool fully so the caramel sets before cutting.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before the caramel sets.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for a deeper flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel?
A: Yes. Store-bought caramel works fine and saves time.
Q: How do I know when the crust is done?
A: The crust should be lightly golden at the edges and set in the middle.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and adjust baking time; check often after 20 minutes.
Q: Can I skip the sea salt?
A: You can, but the sea salt adds a nice balance to the sweet caramel.
Conclusion
For more salted caramel bar ideas and a similar favorite, see this version from Salted Caramel Butter Bars | The BEST Cookie Bar recipe ever!!. You can also compare versions at Salted Caramel Butter Bars | The Domestic Rebel.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly, then pour the caramel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.