Description
Salted Caramel Butter Bars feature a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, gooey caramel filling and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite. These bars are baked to golden perfection and are an irresistible indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel filling.
- Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and sweetened condensed milk. Simmer the mixture, stirring continuously, for 4–5 minutes until it thickens to a smooth, caramel consistency.
- Flavor the Caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Ensure it is well combined for balanced flavor.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the baked crust. Spread it out smoothly and return the pan to the oven. Bake for an additional 12–15 minutes until the caramel is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a perfect salty finish.
- Slice and Serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into 12–16 squares. Serve and enjoy your delicious salted caramel butter bars.
Notes
- Ensure the butter for the crust is softened to achieve a crumbly dough that presses easily.
- Stir the caramel continuously while simmering to avoid burning and ensure even thickening.
- Use parchment paper to make removing the bars from the pan easier and cleaner.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing to prevent the caramel from oozing out.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the texture and flavor, but can be adjusted to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: salted caramel bars, caramel butter bars, sweet and salty dessert, baked caramel bars, homemade caramel dessert
