Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are incredibly easy to make yet deliver a luxurious flavor experience. The buttery shortbread base creates a firm yet tender foundation that holds the smooth caramel center beautifully. The hint of sea salt elevates the sweetness of the caramel and balances out the richness. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and savory, and it’s sure to be a hit at any party or family gathering.

Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel layer)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, powdered sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until the dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
For the caramel filling, in a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter and brown sugar together, stirring occasionally. Once melted, add heavy cream and vanilla extract, continuing to stir until smooth and combined.
Bring the caramel to a simmer, stirring constantly, and let it cook for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust and spread evenly.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and slightly golden around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Once cooled, sprinkle sea salt on top of each bar for the perfect sweet and salty finish.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the caramel filling before sprinkling the sea salt for a chocolatey twist.
Nutty Bars: For a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
Different Salts: Try experimenting with flavored salts like smoked sea salt or fleur de sel for a unique touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the salted caramel butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them for longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

FAQs

How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel should be slightly thickened and bubbling around the edges when it’s ready. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but if you use salted butter, reduce the amount of sea salt in the recipe to avoid it becoming too salty.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

Is there a way to make these bars less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the caramel filling or use a lower-sugar caramel sauce.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but homemade caramel will give a richer flavor.

Can I add other toppings besides sea salt?

Certainly! You can top the bars with chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I use dairy-free butter for a dairy-free version?

Yes, you can substitute with dairy-free butter and coconut cream for the caramel to make this recipe dairy-free.

How long should I let the bars cool before cutting?

It’s best to let the bars cool completely to allow the caramel to firm up, about 1-2 hours.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan (such as a 9×13-inch pan), but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

What type of sea salt should I use?

Fine sea salt or flaky sea salt both work well, depending on your preference for salt texture.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are an irresistible treat that combines a buttery shortbread base with a rich, gooey caramel filling, all enhanced by a touch of sea salt. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to make and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re serving them for a special event or enjoying them as a personal indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!