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Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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

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