Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the ultimate indulgent dessert, bringing together rich, buttery shortbread and creamy, golden salted caramel in every bite. These indulgent cookie bars are as beautiful as they are delicious, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them ideal for celebrations, bake sales, or whenever you need a sweet and salty treat. Made with pantry staples and just a few easy steps, this recipe delivers bakery-style results right from your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are rich, flavorful, and so easy to make. The buttery shortbread dough serves as both the crust and the crumble topping, while the center is filled with a smooth caramel made from soft candies and cream. A touch of sea salt balances the sweetness and adds a little gourmet flair. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, you’ll love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. One batch makes enough to share, but don’t be surprised if they disappear fast!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups salted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1½ cups powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 14 ounces soft caramel candies (about 50 individual caramels), unwrapped

• 1/3 cup milk or cream

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Step-by-Step: How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

1. Prep the Oven and Pan
   Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.

2. Make the Dough
   Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well. Lower the speed and slowly add in the flour until a soft dough forms.

3. Form the Crust
   Press one-third of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill.

4. Bake the Bottom Layer
   Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.

5. Make the Caramel Filling
   While the crust cools and the remaining dough chills, place the unwrapped caramels and milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until completely smooth. Stir in vanilla.

6. Assemble the Bars
   Pour the caramel over the cooled crust. If using sea salt, sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer.

7. Add the Topping and Bake
   Take the remaining chilled dough and crumble it over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling.

8. Cool and Slice
   Let the bars cool thoroughly to ensure clean, neat cuts when slicing into squares.

Helpful Tips

• Use room temperature butter to help the dough mix smoothly and achieve the right texture.

• Chill the dough before crumbling it over the caramel layer for best results.

• Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect slices.

• Let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid messy edges.

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container to maintain their soft texture.

Substitutions And Variations

• Butter: Unsalted butter works too—just add 1/2 teaspoon salt to the dough.

• Caramel: Use homemade caramel sauce if preferred.

• Cream: Swap in heavy cream for a richer caramel, or use whole milk for a lighter version.

• Sea Salt: Customize to your taste or skip if you prefer a sweeter bar.

• Add-ins: Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to the caramel layer for an extra treat.

Storage Instructions

Store Salted Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 10 days. To freeze, separate layers with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per bar (based on 24 servings):

• Calories: 310

• Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Sugar: 22g

• Protein: 2g

• Sodium: 190mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own or paired with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate. Serve them as part of a dessert platter at holiday gatherings or cut them into mini squares for bite-sized party treats. They’re also perfect with a warm drink—think hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Yes! Just be sure it’s thick enough to set once baked.

Do I need a stand mixer for this recipe?
No, a hand mixer or sturdy wooden spoon works too, as long as your butter is soft.

Can I make them in advance?
Definitely! These bars keep well and taste great the next day.

How can I cut clean squares?
Wait until the bars are fully cooled, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry.

Do I have to use sea salt?
No, it’s optional. It balances the sweetness, but they’re still tasty without it.

Conclusion

Thank you for stopping by to explore these irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars. This recipe is one of my personal favorites because it combines the ease of shortbread with the rich, creamy joy of caramel. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars deliver amazing flavor and texture every time. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do. Happy baking, and thank you for being a part of this food-loving community!

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Salted Caramel Butter Bars

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 24 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are layered with smooth salted caramel and a golden crumble topping. A rich, sweet, and salty dessert that is easy to make and perfect for sharing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust and Topping

2 cups salted butter, room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1½ cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

4 cups all purpose flour

For the Filling

14 ounces soft caramel candies, unwrapped

1/3 cup milk or cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

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Instructions

• Prep the Oven and Pan
  Preheat your oven to 325°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper.

• Make the Dough
  Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until fluffy. Add vanilla and mix well. Lower the speed and slowly add in the flour until a soft dough forms.

• Form the Crust
  Press one-third of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill.

• Bake the Bottom Layer
  Bake the crust for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 15 minutes.

• Make the Caramel Filling
  While the crust cools and the remaining dough chills, place the unwrapped caramels and milk or cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until completely smooth. Stir in vanilla.

• Assemble the Bars
  Pour the caramel over the cooled crust. If using sea salt, sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer.

• Add the Topping and Bake
  Take the remaining chilled dough and crumble it over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the caramel is bubbling.

• Cool and Slice
  Let the bars cool thoroughly to ensure clean, neat cuts when slicing into squares.

Notes

For clean slices, allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes Chill Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 2g