Prepare to embark on a journey of irresistible indulgence with our recipe for Salted Caramel Butter Bars. These decadent treats are the epitome of sweet and salty perfection, offering a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a buttery crust, luscious caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt, each bite is a heavenly delight that is sure to enchant dessert lovers of all ages. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake up a batch of pure bliss with this mouthwatering recipe that is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your repertoire.
Ingredients:
For the Crust/Topping:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pound (4 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 50-60 caramel candies, wrappers removed (14 oz. bag)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust/Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Cut in the room temperature butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set the remaining mixture aside to use as the topping.
2. Make the Caramel Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are melted and smooth.
- Stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the melted caramel mixture over the crust in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer to form the topping.
4. Bake and Cool:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the baking dish for about 30 minutes.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel layer is set.
- Once chilled, use a sharp knife to cut into bars. Serve and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Nutty Twist: Add a layer of chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds between the crust and caramel filling for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars for a luxurious finishing touch.
- Holiday Flavors: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a festive twist perfect for the holidays.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Almond Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a blend of almond and coconut flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use sugar-free caramel candies and powdered sugar substitutes such as erythritol or stevia in both the crust and filling to reduce the carb content of the bars.
- Coconut Cream: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in the caramel filling for a dairy-free and lower-carb alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
- Yes, you can use unsalted butter and simply add a pinch of salt to the crust mixture if desired.
- How should I store these bars?
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Simply wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
- Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce if you prefer. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape in the bars.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. They can also be made a day in advance and chilled overnight.
Elevate your dessert game with our irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars – a sweet and salty delight that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. With their buttery crust, creamy caramel filling, and hint of sea salt, these bars are a true indulgence that will leave you craving more with every bite. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or celebration. So, treat yourself to a taste of pure bliss with this decadent dessert that is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
