Salted Caramel Butter Bars

In recent years, salted caramel has emerged as one of the most beloved flavors in the dessert world. Its unique combination of sweetness and savory saltiness appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a favorite in everything from candies to cakes. Among the plethora of salted caramel desserts, Salted Caramel Butter Bars stand out as a particularly indulgent treat. These buttery, chewy bars are layered with rich salted caramel, creating a dessert that is both satisfying and utterly delicious.

Indulge in the delicious world of homemade desserts with these irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars! Perfectly chewy and buttery, each bite is layered with rich salted caramel for a unique blend of sweet and salty flavors. These bars are not only easy to prepare, making them ideal for novice bakers, but also a showstopper for gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy them with coffee or tea for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

For the Butter Bars:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

For Topping:

Flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Butter Bar Batter:

- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Butter Bars:

- Spread half of the butter bar batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until just set.

- While the bars are baking, prepare the salted caramel.

Make the Salted Caramel:

- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it!

- Once melted, quickly whisk in the butter until melted and combined. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream. It will bubble up, so be cautious!

- Stir in the sea salt and let the caramel cool slightly.

Assemble the Bars:

- Once the first layer of butter bars is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm salted caramel over the top, spreading it evenly.

- Gently drop spoonfuls of the remaining butter batter over the caramel layer. It’s okay if some caramel is visible; it will spread as it bakes.

Final Baking:

- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the top layer is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Enjoy your decadent Salted Caramel Butter Bars with a cup of tea or coffee!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 24 squares