Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Introduction

Indulge in the irresistible combination of sweet and salty with Salted Caramel Butter Bars. These delectable bars feature a buttery crust, gooey caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt on top for the perfect balance of flavors.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re a fan of the classic flavor pairing of salted caramel, these bars are a must-try. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are sure to impress friends and family with their rich and buttery taste.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Ingredients:

• Crust/Topping:
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 pound (4 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Filling:
  • 50-60 caramel candies, wrappers removed (14 oz. bag)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and grease a 9×13-inch dish.
2. Cream butter and sugars in a bowl, then mix in vanilla and flour to form a dough.
3. Press 1/3 of the dough into the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Melt caramels and cream in the microwave, then pour over the cooled crust.
5. Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel.
6. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel.
7. Bake for 26-28 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool, then cut into squares.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

How to Store Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage; simply thaw before serving.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Ensure the caramel is completely melted and smooth before pouring over the crust.
• Use high-quality sea salt for the best flavor contrast.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean and neat slices.

Variation

For a twist on the classic recipe, add a layer of chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds between the caramel and crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
   • Yes, you can use unsalted butter and simply add a pinch of salt to the dough for flavor.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
   • While store-bought caramel sauce can be used, melting caramels provides a richer and thicker caramel layer.
3. Can I freeze the bars after baking?
   • Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.