Imagine biting into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread layered with rich, gooey caramel, and finished with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt. Sounds heavenly, right? That’s precisely what these Salted Caramel Butter Bars offer. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and their rich texture makes them a truly indulgent treat. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them with your afternoon coffee, these bars are sure to impress.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through every step of making these buttery delights, offering tips from renowned chefs, and answering some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started with everything you need to know to make the perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars.
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These bars are:
- Buttery and rich
- Filled with gooey caramel
- Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty
- Great for any occasion
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
The combination of textures and flavors makes these bars stand out. The buttery crust crumbles perfectly under the richness of the caramel layer, while the sea salt elevates every bite. Plus, they’re super customizable, allowing you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the steps, let’s go over the simple yet flavorful ingredients you’ll need to create these divine bars:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the soft, buttery shortbread crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The main ingredient for a rich and tender crust.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Helps to create that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a subtle warmth.
- 1 ¼ cups caramel sauce: Use store-bought or homemade for the gooey center.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these easy steps to create your Salted Caramel Butter Bars.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and develop a golden crust without overcooking the caramel layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. This step helps to incorporate air into the butter, resulting in a light and tender crust.
Step 3: Add the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, and mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing, as you want to keep the dough tender.
Step 4: Press into the Pan
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Press half of the dough into the bottom of the pan, spreading it evenly with your hands or a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until it starts to turn golden brown. This pre-bake ensures that the bottom layer is firm enough to hold the caramel. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the caramel filling.
Step 6: Add the Caramel Layer
Once the crust has cooled, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Use a spatula to spread the caramel so that every inch is covered. Then, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel for that perfect sweet-and-salty contrast.
Step 7: Crumble the Reserved Dough
Take the remaining half of the dough, crumble it over the caramel layer, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. The more uneven the crumbles, the better the texture will be.
Step 8: Bake Again
Place the pan back into the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown. The caramel should be bubbling slightly, and the crumbled topping should have a delicate golden hue.
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares. If you’re in a hurry, you can place them in the fridge to speed up the cooling process. Cooling ensures that the caramel firms up and the bars hold their shape when sliced.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these bars warm for an extra gooey treat, or cold for a firmer texture.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for an indulgent dessert.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent experience.
Storage Tips
- At room temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. They’ll stay fresh and delicious.
- In the fridge: You can also refrigerate them for up to 7 days, which will result in a firmer texture.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Helpful Notes
- Butter consistency: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted. This ensures a perfect texture for the dough.
- Homemade caramel: If you want to make your own caramel sauce, try a simple recipe using sugar, heavy cream, and butter for a richer, homemade flavor.
- Customizable toppings: Feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds to the crumble topping for an added crunch.
- Sea salt: Use flaky sea salt for a more pronounced texture and flavor contrast with the caramel.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten recommends using European-style butter for baking, as it has a higher fat content, making your crust extra rich and flavorful.
- Gordon Ramsay suggests sprinkling a small amount of salt after baking, rather than before, to enhance the contrast between sweet and salty.
- Nancy Silverton emphasizes the importance of allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing. This helps the caramel set properly, making it easier to cut clean squares.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can. However, be sure to reduce the amount of added sea salt to avoid over-salting the bars.
2. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a richer, fresher flavor to the bars. Just make sure it’s not too runny.
3. What type of sea salt should I use?
Flaky sea salt works best, as it adds texture and doesn’t dissolve too quickly into the caramel.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix. Ensure it’s a 1:1 substitute for best results.
5. How can I make the bars more chewy?
Undercooking the bars slightly will result in a chewier texture. Just be sure the top is golden and the caramel has set.
6. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts are a great addition to the crumble topping.
7. How do I prevent the caramel from leaking out?
Make sure the crust has cooled completely before adding the caramel layer, and spread the crumble topping evenly to seal the edges.
8. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container.
9. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel works just as well, but be sure to choose a high-quality brand.
10. What’s the best way to reheat the bars?
If you prefer warm bars, simply reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are truly a treat that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, the combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and sea salt makes them irresistible! Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful bars!