Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt); 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

Introduction

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful blend of rich, buttery crust and smooth, sweet caramel, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This dessert perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

A close-up image of a square dessert bar with three clear layers on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light beige cookie crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is a thick, smooth, rich caramel in a deep golden brown color, slightly glossy and dense. The top layer is a lighter caramel or toffee shade, creamy and glossy, sprinkled generously with large, coarse crystals of white sea salt, adding texture and contrast. Some salt crystals are scattered around the dessert on the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt (preferably flaky sea salt)

For the Topping:

1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough becomes crumbly.

Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: While the crust bakes, prepare the caramel filling. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk.

Step 5: Simmer the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.

Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then pour the caramel evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 7: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 12 to 15 minutes, until the caramel is bubbly and golden.

Step 8: Let the bars cool completely. Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt, then lift out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into 12 to 16 bars.

Tips & Variations

Use flaky sea salt to sprinkle on top for the best texture and flavor contrast.

For a nutty twist, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer before baking.

If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce the second bake time slightly.

Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the crust to achieve the right crumbly texture.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Before serving refrigerated bars, bring them to room temperature for the best flavor and texture. These bars can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the crust and caramel filling to avoid an overly salty result.

How can I tell when the caramel is done?

The caramel is ready when it thickens slightly and becomes glossy while simmering. It should coat the back of a spoon and bubble gently.