Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, you're in for a real treat! These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and salty, with a soft, buttery base, a gooey caramel center, and a hint of salt to bring it all together. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these bars will leave everyone coming back for seconds. Read on to discover how to make this deliciously decadent dessert from scratch, and get all the tips you need to perfect the recipe!

this Recipe

What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of traditional butter cake with a luscious, gooey salted caramel filling. The result is a treat that’s crispy on the edges, soft in the center, and packed with a burst of flavors that balance sweetness with a hint of saltiness. The combination of butter and caramel makes these bars super indulgent, while the salt cuts through the sweetness to create a perfectly balanced dessert. If you're a fan of salted caramel, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Here’s a complete list of ingredients you’ll need to whip up these irresistible bars:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

• 1 cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce
• ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (or to taste)

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Substitutions and Variations

While the basic ingredients are simple, there are several substitutions and variations you can try to make the recipe your own:

1. Butter Substitutes: If you're dairy-free, you can substitute the unsalted butter with vegan butter or margarine. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
2. Caramel Sauce: Feel free to use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade caramel will elevate the recipe with a fresher, richer taste.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will remain just as delicious.
4. Extra Add-ins: Want to jazz it up? Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) into the caramel layer for an extra crunch.
5. Different Salts: You can experiment with different salts like Himalayan pink salt or smoked sea salt for a unique twist on the salted caramel flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make these delicious bars? Let’s dive into the details of how to prepare them:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until a dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the caramel filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling

If you’re making homemade caramel, do this step ahead of time. Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the baked and slightly cooled crust. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the caramel layer for that perfect salted caramel flavor.

Step 5: Make the Topping

In another bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla, and salt until well-combined. Add in the flour and stir until a soft dough forms. Drop small dollops of the topping mixture onto the caramel layer and gently spread it out to cover the caramel.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and firm. You want the center to still be a little gooey, so don’t overbake it!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing—this will make cutting them into clean squares easier.

How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare your equipment and ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Make the crust: Mix the ingredients for the crust and press it into your baking dish, then bake it for a few minutes to set.
3. Add the caramel filling: Spread the caramel sauce over the baked crust and sprinkle sea salt for a salty contrast.
4. Prepare the topping: Mix the topping ingredients and spread the mixture over the caramel.
5. Final bake: Bake again until golden, then allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking the Crust: It's important not to overbake the crust during the first bake. You want it slightly golden, but still soft, so it bakes perfectly after the caramel is added.
2. Using Cold Caramel: If your caramel sauce is too cold, it will be difficult to spread over the crust. Make sure your caramel is at room temperature or slightly warmed.
3. Skipping the Salt: The salt is what makes these bars stand out from ordinary butter cake bars. Don’t skip the sea salt, as it balances the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
4. Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Patience is key! Let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. If they’re too warm, they will fall apart and be difficult to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are rich and decadent, so a small piece goes a long way. Serve them as a dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack with coffee. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter at a party or gathering.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

1. Chilled: For a firmer, denser texture, serve the bars chilled. They taste especially good straight from the fridge, and the flavors are more concentrated.
2. Warm: If you prefer a gooey texture, serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm caramel will melt into the ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
3. With a Drizzle of Caramel: For a fancier presentation, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top of the bars before serving. A sprinkle of sea salt on top will also enhance the flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

1. Layered Serving Plates: Stack the bars on a tiered dessert stand for an elegant display at a party.
2. Rustic Style: Serve the bars on wooden serving boards for a rustic, homemade feel.
3. Garnished with Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the bars right before serving for a refined, bakery-style look.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: When baking, always use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough bars. Mix just until everything is combined to keep the texture soft and gooey.
3. Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Make them a day in advance for maximum flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Bars in Advance?

Yes! These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They actually taste even better the next day.

Can I Freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Absolutely! To freeze, let the bars cool completely and cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.

How Can I Make Homemade Caramel Sauce?

To make homemade caramel, melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns into an amber-colored liquid. Remove from heat, then stir in 6 tablespoons of butter and ½ cup of heavy cream. Add a pinch of salt and let it cool before using.

Can I Add Chocolate to These Bars?

Yes! Chocolate chips can be added either to the crust layer or sprinkled over the caramel layer for a chocolate-caramel twist.

Why Are My Bars Falling Apart?

If your bars are falling apart, they may not have been cooled long enough. Make sure to let them cool completely before slicing to ensure they hold together well.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious and indulgent recipe for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars! Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just satisfying a sweet craving, these bars are the perfect balance of rich, buttery, sweet, and salty. With easy-to-follow steps and room for creativity, this recipe is a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Try them out, and don’t forget to share with friends and family—they’ll love you for it! Happy baking!

Print