Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with these salted caramel butter bars! I stumbled upon this recipe at a cozy little bake sale, and the moment I took my first bite, I was hooked. The rich, buttery flavor combined with that sweet and salty caramel is like a warm hug for your taste buds! Seriously, they’re so sweet and decadent that they feel like a special treat, but they’re also perfect for any occasion, be it a casual get-together or a fancy dinner party. I love making these bars when I want to impress friends or just indulge in some serious comfort food. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be dreaming of these delicious little squares long after they’re gone!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these delightful salted caramel butter bars. Make sure to check your pantry before you start!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt for topping
Having everything ready to go makes the baking process so much smoother! I always lay out my ingredients like a little mise en place party. It helps me feel organized and ready to create something delicious!
How to Prepare Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Alright, let’s dive into making these scrumptious salted caramel butter bars! The process is pretty straightforward, and I promise the result is totally worth it. Just make sure you preheat your oven first—nobody likes waiting around for that! Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important, so don’t skip it!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Next, add in the 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—this is where the magic starts to happen!
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to incorporate the dry ingredients evenly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bars to be tender!
- Now, spread half of the batter evenly into a greased baking dish. It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky; just do your best to get it spread out.
- Drizzle that luscious salted caramel sauce over the batter. Don’t be shy—go for it!
- Finally, spread the remaining batter on top of the caramel. Make sure it’s even, so you get that perfect bite of caramel in every piece!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells heavenly!
- Once baked, let them cool for a bit, then sprinkle with sea salt before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
And there you have it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring those sweet, rich bars in no time. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these over and over again!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about how to make sure your salted caramel butter bars turn out perfectly every time! First off, don’t forget to measure your ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even a little too much flour can change everything! I like to use a kitchen scale when I’m feeling fancy, but measuring cups work just fine too.
Next, remember to let your butter soften at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, and you’ll miss out on that lovely texture. Also, make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting them; this helps you get those neat, tidy slices. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swirling in some extra caramel sauce before baking for an added caramel kick! Lastly, don’t be shy with that sea salt on top—it really elevates the flavor and balances the sweetness!
Variations
Now, let’s get a bit creative with these salted caramel butter bars! One of my favorite twists is to add chocolate chips—just fold in about a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter before spreading it in the baking dish. The melty chocolate paired with the caramel is pure bliss!
If you’re a nut lover like me, try mixing in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch. Just a half cup will do, and it adds a lovely texture contrast to the gooey caramel.
Feeling fruity? You can also add some dried fruits, like cranberries or cherries, which give a nice tartness against the sweet caramel. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors! Each variation brings a new twist to these already delicious bars, and I can’t wait to hear what you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your salted caramel butter bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’re like me and want to savor them for a bit longer, you can refrigerate them, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Want to enjoy them warm? Just pop a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to get that gooey caramel flowing again. Just be careful not to overheat, or you’ll end up with a molten mess! If you prefer them chilled, they’re just as delightful straight from the fridge. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these rich, buttery bars!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Just a heads up, the nutritional data for these salted caramel butter bars is an estimate, but here’s what you can expect per bar:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So, if you’re counting those calories or just curious about what you’re indulging in, this info should help! Enjoy these bars in moderation, and savor every rich, buttery bite!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You absolutely can, but keep in mind that it may make your bars a bit saltier! If you do use salted butter, I recommend skipping the extra sea salt on top when you finish them off.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The best way to tell if your salted caramel butter bars are done is by checking for that lovely golden brown color on top. You can also gently press down in the center; if it springs back, they’re ready to come out. Just be careful not to overbake them, or they might dry out!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these bars ahead of time! They actually taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll be good for up to a week. Perfect for meal prep or special occasions!
What can I substitute for caramel sauce?
If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, you can use dulce de leche for a similar flavor and consistency. Another option is to make a quick homemade caramel sauce if you’re feeling adventurous! Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
How do I cut the bars neatly?
To get those clean, perfect slices, I recommend letting the bars cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife, and for an even cleaner cut, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. This helps prevent sticking and keeps the edges nice and tidy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These salted caramel butter bars come together in just about 45 minutes! Perfect for when you need a sweet fix in a hurry.
- Deliciously Rich: The combination of buttery goodness and sweet, salty caramel creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 24 bars in one batch, they’re ideal for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and family.
- Customizable: Feel free to switch things up with chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these bars!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!) once they taste these delectable treats.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple, scrumptious, and sure to impress, these salted caramel butter bars are the way to go!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think about these salted caramel butter bars! If you try the recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out for you. Did you make any fun variations? Share your ideas—I’m always looking for new twists! And if you’re feeling generous, please rate the recipe too. It really helps other bakers find this delicious treat. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag me; I can’t wait to see your beautiful bars! Happy baking!
Print
Salted caramel butter bars: 5 decadent reasons to indulge
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious salted caramel butter bars that are rich and sweet.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter into a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter on top of the caramel.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool and sprinkle with sea salt before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Try adding chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: salted caramel butter bars, dessert, baking
