Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Craving a sweet treat that hits every note of indulgence? Salted Caramel Butter Bars are your answer. These soft, buttery bars are layered with rich caramel, then sprinkled with flaky sea salt to create a balanced, melt-in-your-mouth dessert you’ll dream about. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting friends, or just treating yourself—these bars deliver on flavor and comfort.

Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Butter Bars

• Sweet & salty perfection: The balance of creamy caramel and flaky sea salt is irresistible.
• Ultra-buttery crust: A shortbread base that practically melts on your tongue.
• Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and simple steps.
• Crowd favorite: These always disappear first at any potluck or party.
• Versatile: Enjoy warm, chilled, or even frozen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter (softened)	1 cup (2 sticks)
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 tbsp
All-purpose flour	2 1/2 cups
Caramels (soft)	11 oz (1 bag)
Heavy cream	1/3 cup
Sea salt (flaky or coarse)	1-2 tsp

Optional Add-Ins:

• A pinch of cinnamon in the crust
• A drizzle of melted chocolate on top

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Step 1: Make the Crust

• Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth.
• Mix in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour and mix until a dough forms.

Step 2: Bake the Bottom Layer

• Press 2/3 of the dough into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel

• While crust is baking, melt the caramels with heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

• Pour caramel evenly over the hot crust.
• Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the caramel layer.
• Crumble remaining dough on top.

Step 5: Final Bake

• Return to oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until top is lightly golden.
• Let cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for Success

• Room temperature butter ensures a smooth dough.
• Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
• Chill before slicing for clean edges.
• Use high-quality caramels for the best flavor.
• Try browning the butter for extra depth.

Nutrition & Serving Tips

Each Salted Caramel Butter Bar packs a rich bite, so smaller portions go a long way:

• Calories per bar: ~250–300
• Serving size: 1 bar (about 2×2 inches)
• Shelf life: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days at room temp or refrigerate for up to 10 days.
• Freezer-friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Fun Variations to Try

• Chocolate swirl: Add swirls of chocolate ganache.
• Nutty twist: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Espresso caramel: Stir a teaspoon of espresso powder into the caramel for depth.
• Spiced version: Add pumpkin spice to the crust in fall.

FAQs

What makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars so good?

Salted Caramel Butter Bars combine a soft buttery crust with rich caramel and sea salt. The flavor balance of sweet and salty is pure magic.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be golden and slightly firm. For Salted Caramel Butter Bars, allow them to cool fully to set properly.

Can I use homemade caramel?

Yes! Homemade works great in Salted Caramel Butter Bars—just make sure it’s thick and not too runny.

Do they need to be refrigerated?

You don’t have to refrigerate Salted Caramel Butter Bars, but they’ll stay firmer and fresher longer if you do.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and use a larger baking pan. Keep an eye on bake time for Salted Caramel Butter Bars.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, Salted Caramel Butter Bars freeze beautifully. Just layer between parchment and store in an airtight container.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Chill the Salted Caramel Butter Bars first, then use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes—substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for Salted Caramel Butter Bars.