Description
Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars combine a rich buttery crust with a luscious, gooey filling enhanced by a homemade salted caramel drizzle. This dessert features a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy textures, making it an irresistible treat for caramel lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Salted Caramel
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
Filling
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Make the Salted Caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, then allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches an amber color. Remove from heat, then carefully add the butter and room temperature heavy cream while stirring constantly until the caramel sauce is smooth. Stir in the salt and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and sugar. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it forms a crumbly texture. Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until fluffy and light. Add the light corn syrup and egg, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour and evaporated milk, stirring consistently to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling batter over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Drizzle half of the reserved salted caramel sauce evenly over the filling. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely before cutting into squares. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the top before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream for the caramel are at room temperature to prevent the caramel from seizing.
- Do not overbake the bars; a slightly jiggly center will set as they cool, ensuring a gooey texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top after drizzling the remaining caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salted Caramel, Gooey Butter Bars, Caramel Dessert, Bar Cookies, Homemade Caramel, Sweet Treats
