Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the richness of butter with the deep sweetness of caramel, enhanced by the contrast of sea salt. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bars feature a golden brown, shortbread-like crust topped with a gooey, decadent caramel layer and finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors.
These bars are incredibly versatile and can be served for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal events. They are incredibly easy to make and require minimal equipment, making them perfect for anyone, whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner.
Whether you’re making them for a party, as a treat for your family, or simply to indulge yourself, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars are sure to impress with their rich, complex flavors and irresistible texture.
The History of Salted Caramel
The concept of caramel dates back to the 17th century when it was first created in Europe by boiling sugar and water until it reached a golden brown color. However, the combination of caramel and salt is a more recent development in the culinary world. It is believed that salted caramel was first popularized in France in the late 20th century, where it became a regional specialty. French chefs and candy makers started to experiment with the addition of fleur de sel (a premium sea salt) to their caramel recipes, creating a delicious contrast between the sweet and savory elements.
Salted caramel quickly gained popularity across the world, especially in desserts, and has since become a staple flavor in many modern treats. The pairing of caramel with butter also dates back centuries, as the use of butter in baking provides a rich, smooth, and creamy flavor that complements the sweetness of caramel.
What Makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars So Special?
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are special for several reasons. The combination of rich butter, sweet caramel, and the contrasting salt creates a flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. The bars are not overly sweet thanks to the salt, which helps balance the sweetness and elevates the caramel flavor.
The crust of these bars provides a buttery, slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, gooey caramel layer on top. The sea salt sprinkled on top adds a delightful crunch and an extra burst of flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
What makes these bars even more special is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a dessert that tastes like it was made by a professional baker.
Instructions:
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Prepare the crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or mix by hand.
- Add the egg and mix until well combined. Then, add the flour and salt and stir until the dough forms.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the base.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.
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Make the caramel sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.
- Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Continue simmering for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the caramel to thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Be careful, as the caramel will bubble when you add the cream and salt.
- Let the caramel sauce cool for about 5 minutes before pouring it over the baked crust.
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Assemble the bars:
- Pour the warm caramel sauce over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Allow the caramel to set and cool completely at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can refrigerate the bars for quicker setting.
- Once the caramel layer has set, sprinkle the sea salt generously over the top of the bars.
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Cut and serve:
- Once the bars have cooled and set, slice them into squares using a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy! These bars are best served at room temperature or slightly chilled for an extra firm texture.
Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Chill the Caramel: Let the caramel set properly before slicing, as this helps prevent it from becoming too gooey when cut.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the crust to achieve the best texture.
- Don’t Rush the Caramel: Be patient when making the caramel sauce. Simmering it slowly allows the flavors to develop properly.
- Adjust the Salt: You can add more or less sea salt depending on how salty you want the caramel to be. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Variations of Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the caramel before adding the sea salt for a chocolatey twist.
- Nutty Salted Caramel Bars: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
- Coconut Salted Caramel Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the top of the caramel before adding the sea salt for a tropical flair.
Healthier Versions of Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Use Coconut Oil: Swap butter for coconut oil to make the recipe dairy-free. It will still provide richness, and the flavor is slightly different but delicious.
- Lower Sugar Option: You can use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener in the crust and caramel sauce, although this will affect the flavor and texture.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a more fiber-rich version.
Pairing Suggestions
Salted Caramel Butter Bars pair wonderfully with:
- A glass of milk (or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free option).
- A hot cup of coffee or espresso.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a rich, indulgent dessert that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of a buttery crust, gooey caramel layer, and a sprinkle of sea salt makes them a perfect dessert for any event.
By following the detailed steps in this guide and utilizing the helpful tips and variations, you’ll be able to create the perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars every time.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the richness of butter with the deep sweetness of caramel, enhanced by the contrast of sea salt. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bars feature a golden brown, shortbread-like crust topped with a gooey, decadent caramel layer and finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Butter Bars:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Salted Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or more to taste, for extra saltiness)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- Make the butter bar base: In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the pan: Evenly press the dough into the prepared baking pan, making sure it's smooth and covers the bottom evenly.
- Bake the base: Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel topping.
- Make the salted caramel: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir constantly and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the caramel to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the salt.
- Pour the caramel over the bars: Pour the warm salted caramel sauce evenly over the baked bar base. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Optional chocolate drizzle: If you’d like, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel topping and place the pan back in the oven for 1-2 minutes, just until the chocolate begins to soften. Then, use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate into a smooth layer.
- Cool and cut: Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel has set. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Notes
- Caramel variation: For an even thicker caramel layer, you can double the caramel sauce ingredients and pour half before baking the bars and the other half after.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version of these bars.
- Extra salty: Adjust the salt in the caramel topping to your taste. If you love the salty-sweet combo, feel free to add a little extra salt!
- Make ahead: These bars can be made ahead and frozen. Allow them to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.