Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent treat featuring a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust layered with rich caramel sauce and a sprinkling of sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and savory. This easy-to-make dessert is sure to become a crowd favorite, ideal for any occasion or a simple indulgence after dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the flour and salt to the mixture, and mix until well combined.
4. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven.
6. Pour the caramel sauce over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer and sprinkle with sea salt.
8. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
9. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Caramel Crumble Bars: Add chocolate chips to the dough or drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer for a chocolatey twist.
• Nutty Caramel Bars: Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the dough mixture for added crunch and flavor.
• Salted Caramel Swirl: Instead of crumbling the dough on top, swirl some caramel sauce into the batter for a more marbled effect.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the caramel crumble bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: These bars are best served at room temperature but can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? Yes, but if using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
2. Can I use homemade caramel sauce? Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce can add an extra layer of richness to the bars.
3. What can I use instead of caramel sauce? You could try dulce de leche for a similar sweet, creamy texture.
4. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, these bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
5. What is the best way to cut the bars after baking? Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them to ensure clean slices.
6. Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe container.
7. What can I serve with caramel crumble bars? These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee.
8. Can I substitute the sugar with something else? You can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor, but this may change the texture slightly.
9. Can I use gluten-free flour? Yes, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but the texture may vary.
10. How do I store leftover caramel sauce? Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the ultimate sweet treat, combining the perfect balance of soft, buttery crust, smooth caramel, and a hint of salt. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a family gathering, or just for yourself, these bars will surely be a hit. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, they’re a must-try dessert for any caramel lover!