The Ultimate Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Decadent salted caramel butter cake bars promise an irresistible adventure for sweet-seeking souls.

Layers of rich, buttery goodness melt together with a luxurious caramel swirl.

Unexpected salt crystals dance across the surface, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly, turning each bite into a moment of pure indulgence.

Baking enthusiasts will find this recipe surprisingly simple yet impressively delicious.

Magical combinations of ingredients transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on these sinfully delectable treats that redefine comfort baking.

Storage Guidelines for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep the bars chilled to maintain their gooey texture and prevent caramel from becoming too runny.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• For short-term storage, keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Avoid direct sunlight or warm areas to prevent caramel from melting.
• Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to soften the caramel and restore the gooey texture.

FAQs

• Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?

No, sea salt is key for creating the signature flavor profile. Regular salt won’t provide the same delicate crunch and balanced taste that sea salt delivers.

• How do I know when the cake bars are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges and a slightly jiggly center. The top should be golden brown, and when you gently shake the pan, the middle should have a soft, gooey movement.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement to maintain the cake’s texture and structure.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Overview

• Indulge in Decadence: These butter cake bars offer a luxurious treat that combines rich, buttery flavors with sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt, creating an irresistible dessert experience.
• Simplify Baking Bliss: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe welcomes bakers of all skill levels, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, these bars guarantee smiles and requests for seconds with their gooey texture and irresistible flavor combination.
• Versatile Sweet Sensation: Easily adaptable for different occasions, from casual get-togethers to elegant dessert tables, these salted caramel butter cake bars will impress everyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the cake bars.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and contribute to the caramelization process.
• Unsalted Butter: The foundational ingredient that creates a rich and tender cake base.
• Eggs: Binding agents that help hold the cake structure together and add moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A flavor enhancer that adds warmth and complexity to the dessert.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A creamy liquid that creates a luscious and gooey texture.
• Caramel Sauce: A sweet and indulgent topping that adds a rich, deep flavor to the cake bars.

• Sea Salt: A sprinkled garnish that balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Line the Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to the perfect temperature and create a smooth pathway for your cake bars by draping parchment paper inside the baking dish.

This will make removing your delicious creation a breeze later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Buttery Base

In a mixing bowl, transform butter and sugars into a creamy dream by blending them until they’re light and fluffy.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything becomes a silky smooth mixture that promises deliciousness.

Step 3: Form the Delectable Dough

Gradually fold in the flour, stirring until a soft, tempting dough emerges.

Gently press this heavenly mixture into your lined baking dish, creating an even, golden foundation for your magical bars.

Step 4: Create the Gooey Caramel Layer

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Rich caramel sauce

Over the cake base, ensuring an even coverage that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 5: Add a Salty Sparkle

Sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt across the surface, transforming your dessert from sweet to sensationally complex.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake until the edges look set but the center remains tantalizingly soft and gooey.

The golden-brown edges will signal your bars are ready to become a legendary treat.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow your masterpiece to cool completely, then slice into bars that reveal layers of buttery, caramel-infused goodness.

Each bite promises a symphony of flavors that will make everyone swoon.

Pro Tips for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Line your baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal and clean slicing of cake bars.
• Warm caramel sauce slightly before pouring to ensure smooth, even distribution across the butter cake base.
• Bake just until edges are set but center remains soft for that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Use high-quality sea salt flakes and sprinkle sparingly to enhance caramel's sweetness without overwhelming the dessert.
• Refrigerate cake bars for 30 minutes after cooling to help them firm up and create neater, more precise slices.

Variations for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the rich, gooey texture.
• Vegan Caramel Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose dairy-free condensed milk for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Slice: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content.
• Chocolate Caramel Fusion: Add melted dark chocolate drizzle on top or mix cocoa powder into the base for a decadent chocolate-caramel combination.

Serving Suggestions for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve these rich bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast that melts into the warm, gooey caramel.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Treat: Arrange the bars on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar, perfect for impressing guests during a sophisticated tea time.
• Coffee Companion Delight: Pair these indulgent bars with a hot espresso or cappuccino to balance the sweetness and enhance the caramel's deep, rich flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Party Pleasure: Cut into small bite-sized squares for easy serving at gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy this luxurious dessert without needing utensils.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent salted caramel butter cake bars offer a luxurious dessert experience that melts hearts with rich, creamy layers. Caramel-infused goodness and buttery textures invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible sweet treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweet and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Cream softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy using an electric mixer, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually fold in flour mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, creating a uniform base layer.
6. Drizzle sweetened condensed milk across the entire surface of the cake base, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Generously pour caramel sauce over the condensed milk layer, creating a swirled pattern.
8. Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly across the top, focusing on creating balanced salt distribution.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center indicating perfect gooey texture.
10. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours.
11. Lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Chill the butter cake base briefly before adding caramel layers to prevent mixing and ensure clean, distinct layers.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother, more uniform cake texture and easier mixing process.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining same measurement proportions.
• Enhance flavor complexity by using flaky Maldon sea salt instead of regular sea salt, creating delightful salt crystal bursts in each bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg