Irresistible Indulgence: Salted Caramel Butter Bars

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Craving a decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than these rich and buttery Salted Caramel Butter Bars. With their creamy salted caramel layer and crumbly topping, these bars are the perfect indulgence for any occasion.

Ingredients:

  • Dough Ingredients:
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
    • 1 package (11 oz) caramel candies, unwrapped
    • ⅓ cup heavy cream
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for caramel)
    • 1 tsp coarse sea salt

Directions:

Preheat Oven:

  1. Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Prepare Dough:

  1. In a mixer bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until creamy.
  2. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  3. Add all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until the dough becomes smooth.

Bake Crust:

  1. Press ⅔ of the dough into an even layer in the prepared pan.
  2. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden. Refrigerate the remaining dough while baking.

Prepare Caramel Sauce:

  1. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute.
  2. Stir and continue to heat in 30-second intervals until melted.
  3. Add vanilla extract and set aside until the crust is done baking.

Assemble Bars:

  1. Remove crust from the oven and top with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
  2. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, leaving it in crumbles without pressing or spreading.

Bake Again:

  1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

  1. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
  2. Store in an airtight container.

Chef’s Advice: Perfecting the Caramel Layer

For the best results, use high-quality caramel candies and ensure they are fully melted with the heavy cream for a smooth and creamy caramel layer. When adding the sea salt, sprinkle it evenly to get that perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it? A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce, but the texture and flavor might differ slightly from homemade.

Q2: How do I store these bars? A: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Q3: Can I freeze these bars? A: Yes, these bars freeze well. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Q4: What if I don’t have coarse sea salt? A: You can use regular sea salt, but reduce the amount slightly to avoid overpowering the sweetness.

The Art of Layering

Creating the Perfect Dough Base

The base of these bars is key to their overall texture and flavor. By creaming the butter and sugars together, you achieve a smooth and creamy dough that bakes up beautifully. Pressing the dough evenly into the pan ensures a consistent crust that holds up to the gooey caramel layer.

The Caramel Magic

The homemade caramel sauce adds a luxurious layer to these bars. Melting the caramel candies with heavy cream creates a rich and smooth sauce that pairs perfectly with the buttery crust. Adding a hint of vanilla enhances the caramel’s flavor, making it even more irresistible.

Balancing Sweet and Salty

The sprinkle of coarse sea salt over the caramel layer is what sets these bars apart. It cuts through the sweetness and adds a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. This balance of flavors is what makes these bars truly special.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the bars have cooled completely, they are ready to be cut into squares and enjoyed. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a treat for yourself. Serve them as is, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the ultimate treat for any dessert lover. With their rich, buttery base, creamy caramel layer, and perfect hint of sea salt, these bars offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Make a batch today and enjoy the sweet and salty bliss in every bite! 🍪🧂

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