Salted Caramel Butter Bars: The Ultimate Sweet and Salty Indulgence

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on February 17, 2025

Few desserts capture the perfect harmony of flavors and textures like Salted Caramel Butter Bars. With a rich, buttery shortbread crust, a luscious layer of gooey caramel, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, these bars strike the ideal balance between sweet and salty, crisp and chewy, indulgent and irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, a comforting treat to enjoy with coffee, or simply a way to satisfy your caramel cravings, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.

Why Salted Caramel Butter Bars Are a Must-Try

1. The Perfect Balance of Sweet and Salty

One of the best things about this dessert is the contrast of flavors. The sweet, velvety caramel filling is complemented by flaky sea salt, which enhances the richness and prevents the bars from being overly sugary. This balance makes each bite complex and deeply satisfying.

2. A Buttery, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture

The shortbread crust plays a crucial role in these bars. It’s crumbly yet firm enough to support the caramel filling, creating the perfect bite every time. The buttery richness melts in your mouth, leaving behind a warm, caramelized aftertaste.

3. Easy to Make, Yet Impressively Elegant

Despite their sophisticated appearance and gourmet flavor, these bars are surprisingly simple to make. With basic pantry ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can have a batch ready to impress guests or treat yourself to a little luxury at home.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This recipe is highly adaptable—you can experiment with different types of caramel, swap in a chocolate drizzle, or even add nuts for an extra crunch. These bars can be tweaked to suit any occasion or preference.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a great addition to:

Holiday dessert platters
Bake sales and potlucks
Afternoon coffee breaks
Gifts for friends and family

They’re easy to transport, store well, and taste even better the next day, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Ingredients: A Perfectly Balanced Dessert

Buttery Shortbread Crust & Topping

Unsalted butter (softened)
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt

Gooey Salted Caramel Filling

Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Sea salt (adjust to taste)

Directions: From Dough to Deliciousness

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Beat butter, sugars, and vanilla until fluffy.
Mix in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.

Step 2: Bake the First Layer

Press half of the dough into the pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Let it cool slightly while preparing the caramel.

Step 3: Add the Caramel Layer

Mix caramel sauce with sea salt and pour evenly over the baked crust.

Step 4: Crumble and Bake Again

Sprinkle the remaining dough over the caramel.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Serve

Let bars cool completely before cutting.
For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown: A Rich and Indulgent Treat

Calories: ~320 per serving
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 2g

Expert Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Butter Bars

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is a key ingredient in the shortbread crust, using a high-quality brand makes a big difference. Opt for European-style butter for a richer, more flavorful base.

2. Don’t Overbake the Crust

To achieve the perfect texture, bake the bottom crust just until it turns golden. Overbaking it at this stage can result in a hard, dry base that lacks the delicate crumble you want.

3. Let the Caramel Thicken Properly

If making your own caramel, allow it to simmer just long enough to thicken without becoming too hard. If it’s undercooked, the bars might be too runny; if overcooked, the caramel layer could harden too much after cooling.

4. Refrigerate for Cleaner Cuts

For neat, bakery-style slices, refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting. This helps firm up the caramel and prevents it from oozing out when slicing.

5. Sprinkle the Salt at the Right Time

For the best flavor and texture, add the flaky sea salt after the bars have cooled slightly but are still warm. This allows the salt to stick to the caramel without completely dissolving.

Creative Ways to Customize These Bars

While the classic version is already decadent, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe.

1. Add a Chocolate Layer

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle melted dark or milk chocolate over the cooled bars. You can also sprinkle mini chocolate chips onto the caramel layer before adding the top crust.

2. Experiment with Different Caramels

Instead of traditional caramel sauce, try:

Dulce de leche for a thicker, creamier consistency.
Salted butterscotch sauce for a slightly sweeter variation.
Bourbon-infused caramel for a richer, more complex flavor.

3. Incorporate Nuts for Extra Crunch

Adding chopped pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts to the caramel layer provides extra texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.

4. Make It a Holiday Treat

To give these bars a festive twist, mix in a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg into the crust for a warm, spiced flavor.

5. Serve with Ice Cream

For the ultimate dessert experience, serve warm Salted Caramel Butter Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.

How to Store and Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars

1. Storage Tips

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
In the Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to a week, with a firmer texture.
In the Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

2. Serving Suggestions

Pair with a hot drink like coffee, chai, or hot cocoa.
Serve alongside fresh berries for a refreshing contrast.
Use as a base for an ice cream sundae with caramel drizzle and whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Regular Table Salt Instead of Flaky Sea Salt?

Yes, but use a much smaller amount since table salt is more concentrated. Flaky sea salt works best because it provides a delicate crunch and a balanced saltiness.

2. Can I Make These Bars in Advance?

Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store them properly and serve at room temperature for the best texture.

3. How Do I Keep the Caramel From Getting Too Hard?

If your caramel becomes too firm after cooling, you may have overcooked it. Next time, try simmering the caramel for a shorter period. If it’s already hardened, let the bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before eating to soften.

4. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum, and the rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.

5. What’s the Best Way to Cut the Bars Neatly?

For clean, even slices:

Chill the bars for 30 minutes before cutting.
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
If the caramel sticks, run the knife under hot water, dry it, and cut again.

Conclusion: A Dessert Worth Every Bite

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience. The buttery shortbread crust, rich caramel center, and delicate sea salt topping make each bite a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

What makes these bars truly special is their simplicity and versatility. They’re easy to prepare yet elegant enough to serve at a special occasion. Plus, with countless ways to customize the recipe, you can make them your own signature dessert.

So, whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, as a gift, or simply as a treat for yourself, one thing is certain—these bars will always leave you wanting more.