If you’re searching for a sweet treat that perfectly balances buttery bliss and salted caramel richness, you’ll fall in love with these Salted Caramel Butter Bars. Imagine a melt-in-your-mouth buttery crust layered with luscious caramel and topped with flaky sea salt—a match made in dessert heaven! This recipe is tried-and-true, a surefire family favorite, and irresistibly good straight from the pan.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars only need a handful of kitchen staples, but each ingredient really pulls its weight. You’ll taste the care in every component, from the creamy butter to the sparkling sea salt topping—simple, classic flavors that truly shine when they bake up together!

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The hero ingredient, bringing rich, creamy texture and that signature buttery flavor.
Powdered sugar (2/3 cup): Adds a soft, meltaway sweetness and helps create a tender crust.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Boosts sweetness and gives a bit of crispness to the bars.
Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and warmth, rounding out the flavor of the dough and caramel.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Holds everything together and keeps the bars sturdy yet tender.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for accentuating the buttery notes and balancing sweetness throughout.
Soft caramels (1 11-ounce bag, unwrapped): These melt down into a thick, gooey caramel layer that’s pure bliss.
Heavy cream (3 tablespoons): Ensures the caramel layer comes out silky-smooth and easy to pour.
Flaky sea salt (1/2 teaspoon): Sprinkled on top for a beautiful finish and irresistible salty-sweet contrast.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the sides—this trick makes it so easy to lift out the finished bars without any sticking or crumbling. A little prep here sets you up for buttery bar slicing success!

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whip together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. Add in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting aroma. Next, fold in the flour and salt just until a soft, smooth dough forms—avoid over-mixing so your crust stays perfectly tender once baked.

Step 3: Layer and Pre-bake the Crust

Take about two-thirds of your dough and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t worry if it seems a bit sticky—just use lightly floured hands or the back of a spoon to spread it out. Pop this into the oven for 20 minutes; you’re looking for a light golden color around the edges, the sign your crust is ready for its caramel crown.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer

While the crust pre-bakes, melt your unwrapped soft caramels with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir patiently and gently until the mixture is completely smooth and luxuriously glossy. Once melted, immediately pour the caramel evenly over your hot crust. Scatter the flaky sea salt across the top for that signature Salted Caramel Butter Bars sparkle!

Step 5: Crumble and Bake Again

Now comes the fun part: crumble the remaining dough all across the caramel layer, creating an irresistible, rustic topping. Lightly press the dough down with your fingertips so it adheres but still looks craggy and inviting. Slide the pan back into the oven and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off here—let your Salted Caramel Butter Bars cool completely in the pan. The caramel needs time to set up, ensuring you get perfect slices rather than a gooey mess. For super neat cuts, you can chill the pan in the fridge for an hour before slicing. Use the parchment overhang to lift them out, then cut into 16 glorious squares.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, sprinkle a little more flaky sea salt over the bars just before serving. You can also dust with a tiny pinch of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of melted chocolate for a dramatic look and even more indulgent flavor.

Side Dishes

These bars are rich, so a cold glass of milk or a mug of hot coffee makes the ideal match. If you want something fruitier, fresh berries alongside each bar create a refreshing contrast that cuts through the buttery sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Salted Caramel Butter Bars make a stunning addition to dessert platters, holiday cookie trays, or party favors. For special occasions, layer bars in mason jars with parchment between for delightful gifts, or stack and tie with raffia ribbon for a sweet homemade touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Salted Caramel Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If your kitchen runs warm, storing them in the fridge can help maintain that perfect chewy texture and preserved flavor.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the completely cooled bars in a single layer (or with parchment between layers) in an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer a just-baked softness, rewarm individual bars for about 10-15 seconds in the microwave. The caramel gets wonderfully gooey and the crust turns irresistibly tender—just like fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of packaged caramels?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will make your bars extra rich and flavorful—just make sure it’s on the thicker side, so it doesn’t run out of the bars when sliced.

What size pan works if I don’t have an 8×8-inch?

A 9×9-inch pan will give you slightly thinner bars; just reduce the baking time by a few minutes and keep an eye on the edges to prevent overbaking.

Can I make these gluten free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The results are still deliciously buttery and chewy.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

Look for a lightly golden color on top and slightly firm edges. If the center looks too jiggly, bake for 3-5 more minutes, but remember they’ll firm up as they cool!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredients. Add a few extra minutes to the bake times, and you’ll have plenty of Salted Caramel Butter Bars for everyone to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Salted Caramel Butter Bars in your own kitchen—they’re buttery, chewy, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you bake a batch for a party or sneak one straight from the pan, these bars are sure to steal the spotlight and your heart. Give them a try and enjoy every sweet, salty bite!

Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of Salted Caramel Butter Bars with a buttery crust, chewy caramel center, and a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These easy-to-make bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling:

1 (11-ounce) bag soft caramels (unwrapped)
3 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Mix Crust: Cream softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Add vanilla, then mix in flour and salt to form a dough.
Press and Bake: Press two-thirds of the dough into the pan and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare Caramel: Melt caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan until smooth. Pour over baked crust, sprinkle with sea salt.
Finish and Bake: Crumble remaining dough over caramel, press gently, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Cool before slicing into bars.

Notes

Bars are easier to slice when chilled.
For extra richness, add a pinch of salt to the crust or mix in mini chocolate chips.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American