Salted Caramel Butter Bars: Tasty & Irresistible

Name: Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 pound unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1.5 cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste); 1 bag caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits); 1/3 cup heavy cream

Posted on October 15, 2025

Plate of delicious salted caramel butter bars with a drizzle of caramel

Dessert Recipes

High-calorie fast food meal consisting of burger, fries, soda, and a sad face emoticon.

Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe: A Sweet Escape

Hey there, sweet tooth enthusiasts! Today, I’m about to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes—Salted Caramel Butter Bars. These bars are a combination of luscious layers of buttery goodness and rich, gooey caramel that will make your taste buds dance, I promise!

Honestly, I stumbled upon this heavenly treat during a particularly chaotic week. It was one of those weeks where work was piled high, the laundry was screaming for help, and my kitchen was a battlefield of snack wrappers and flour dust. I needed comfort. So, I dug out my trusty old recipe notebook and decided to proceed with a bit of kitchen therapy. Spoiler alert: these bars turned out to be the beacon of joy I didn’t know I needed.

As I rifled through my recipes, the words “salted caramel” jumped off the page. The very mention of that decadent combination filled my kitchen with the kind of warm feelings that remind you of cozy evenings snuggled on the couch with your favorite movie. You know that unmistakable buttery, sweet scent wafting through the air, mingling with the nostalgia of homemade desserts? That’s the magic of these bars.

So, let’s get involved in this baking journey together because you might just end up creating a new go-to recipe for everything from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Comfort food? Check. Picky eater-approved? Double-check. And the best part? The ingredients are super budget-friendly, so let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet Luxurious: These bars look like they’ve come from a swanky bakery but are so straightforward to make!
Comfort in Every Bite: If you’re after that feels like a hug in a bowl experience, you’ve found it!
Perfect for Leftovers: Trust me; they’re even better the next day (if they last that long).
Picky Eater Approved: I’ve made these for gatherings, and everyone, including the toughest critics (read: my kids), loves them!
Meal Prep Win: Bake these on a Sunday, and you have a sweet treat throughout the week that’s perfect for on-the-go snacking!
Gourmet Appeal: The salted caramel topping adds that gourmet touch, making them great for gatherings or cozy movie nights.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars stand out because they uniquely combine both texture and flavor. The buttery cookie crust contrasts beautifully with the gooey caramel layer, and that sprinkle of coarse sea salt elevates it all—a delightful sweet-salty affair!

Each bar is a slice of heaven, a reminder of those simple joys in life. I like to think of these as the treat that you could whip up on a rainy afternoon while sharing stories or just a cheerful dessert enjoyed after a meal with loved ones.

We all know that baking can be scientific and sometimes unforgiving, but here’s where it gets fun: you can play with the amounts of salt! I personally tend to lean a little heavier on the sea salt because, honestly, I believe a pinch of salt can enhance and magnify the sweetness of the caramel, adding layers of depth to the overall flavor.

Ingredients

1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

Now, let’s break down these beauties and explain why they’re all critical for this recipe!

The Hero Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: When it comes to desserts, butter is the unsung hero. It brings richness and moisture that you just can’t beat.
Granulated and Powdered Sugar: Both sugars are crucial in this recipe. The granulated sugar gives you structure, while the powdered sugar ensures that lovely tenderness that makes these bars melt in your mouth.
Vanilla Extract: Ah, the essence of baking! Vanilla adds warmth and depth to the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of any cookie or bar recipe. It provides that necessary structure to support our luscious caramel.
Caramel Candies: Caramel transforms these bars from basic to wow, creating that smooth, gooey essence we all crave.
Heavy Cream: The cream helps achieve the divine, pourable caramel consistency. Don’t skimp here—you want it rich!
Coarse Sea Salt: A sprinkle of this at the end is like the cherry on top; it makes everything better. Trust me on this one!

A Quick Note: Ingredient Warnings

Make sure your butter is indeed at room temperature—if it’s too cold or melted, the texture could completely change, leading to a doughy disaster (trust me, I’ve been there!).

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Are you ready to bake? Grab your apron (or whatever you wear to indicate serious baking mode), and let’s get started on these Salted Caramel Butter Bars!

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

First things first: let’s get that oven ready. Preheat to 325°F (165°C). While it’s warming up, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later on. Trust me, no one wants caramel dripping in their pan!

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—think cloud-like, if you will. I usually find that beating around 3–5 minutes does the trick, so channel your inner bakery chef!

Next, add in the vanilla and mix to combine for that fragrant, warm aroma. Gradually add the flour, making sure to mix until a thick dough forms. Don’t be alarmed if your dough seems a tad sticky; that’s what we want!

Step 3: Press and Bake the Bottom Layer

Now for the fun part! Grab about half to two-thirds of that luscious dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This is the essential base of your buttery bars. Once pressed down, slide it into the oven to bake for about 20 minutes or until light golden brown.

While it’s baking, the smell is going to be amazing! Seriously, it’ll make your heart swell with happiness.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel

While the dough is baking, let’s work on that irresistible caramel layer. Melt your caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or a saucepan over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until it’s smooth and fully combined. Be real with yourself here: if you taste the melted caramel and do a little happy dance, you’re not alone.

Step 5: Layer the Caramel

Once your crust is done baking, pull it out of the oven (the smell alone may cause some serious cravings). Pour the warm caramel over the crust and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top—trust me, it’s worth it!

Step 6: Add the Topping

Now, you’re going to want to crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Just sprinkle it on, no pressing down needed—let it be rustic and free! We want that charming, imperfect look here.

Step 7: Bake Again

Pop the pan back in the oven and let this delight bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like a million bucks.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Finally, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For those picture-perfect slices, I usually recommend chilling them in the fridge for at least an hour after they’ve cooled. Use that parchment overhang to lift them out and slice them cleanly into bars.

Tips for Best Results

Chill Your Dough: If your dough seems too sticky, chilling it for a bit before pressing might help and will lead to cleaner cuts after baking.
Quality Caramels: Don’t compromise on the quality of your caramel. When you bite into that caramel layer, you want pure bliss!
Adjust for Salt: Taste the caramel before adding salt; everyone has a different preference for sweet vs. savory, right? Personalize it!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some ideas:

Nuts: Want a little crunch? Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate on top to take these bars over the top—because why not?
Seasonal Flavors: Swap the vanilla for peppermint extract around the holidays, or add spices like cinnamon for a fall vibe.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete experience, I suggest serving these bars alongside a hot cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, this combination makes for a delightful dessert moment that pairs perfectly with a cozy evening of binge-watching your favorite rom-com.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Just a heads-up: if you live in a warmer climate, you might want to keep them in the fridge to prevent them from getting too gooey.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

If you’re planning ahead (like, really becoming a meal prep champion), these bars can be made and frozen. Just cut them into bars, wrap them in plastic, and store them in an airtight container. They can stay good for about a month, but let’s be real, you’ll probably eat them long before then!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking the Crust: Keep an eye on the bottom layer and make sure it’s only slightly golden. Overbaking can lead to a crumbly base.
Not Letting Bars Cool: Patience is a virtue! Allow them to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Skipping the Salt: Don’t forget that finishing touch of coarse sea salt on top of the caramel. It’s what rounds out the sweetness beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce instead?

Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels. Just keep in mind, it may require less heavy cream than the original recipe states.

2. How long do these bars last?

If well-stored, these treats can last up to a week at room temperature, or a month in the freezer.

3. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! You can use a gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just fine. Just remember to check that your caramel candies are gluten-free, just in case!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (if you want to save some elbow grease!)
Rubber spatula
9×13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a slice of nostalgia, a hug in a comforting package, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something sublime. I’ve made these bars countless times, and every batch feels like a warm invitation to gather around the table with loved ones.

Now, I’m dying to hear about your experiences! Dive into the recipe, put on some music, and let the kitchen adventure unfold. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Let’s keep those sweet baking vibes alive! Happy baking, everyone!