Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
- 2 csalted butter
room temperature
- 1 cgranulated sugar
- 1 ½ cpowdered sugar
- 2 tbspvanilla extract
- 4 call purpose flour
- 14 ozsoft caramel candies
unwrapped, about 50 individual caramels
- ⅓ cmilk or cream
- ½ tspvanilla
- optional – 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- 2
In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the vanilla and mix until combined. Turn the mixer to low and add in the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- 3
Press one-third of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator.
- 4
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges are a pale golden brown. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cool about 15 minutes.
To make the filling:
- 1
While the bottom crust is baking and the remaining dough is chilling, make the caramel filling. Place the unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the milk or cream. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth. If caramels are not completely melted, microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until smooth.
- 2
Once the caramel is melted add in your ½ teaspoon of vanilla and stir until combined.
- 3
Pour the caramel filling over the cooled crust. If you are going to salt the caramel sprinkle it on caramel layer now.
- 4
Remove the remaining chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel.
- 5
Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crumbled shortbread topping is firm and lightly golden, about 25 – 30 minutes.
- 6
Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect combination of rich, buttery sweetness and a gooey, salty kick? These Salted Caramel Butter Bars deliver an irresistible dessert experience that will become an instant favorite. Prepare to indulge in a treat that elevates the classic cookie bar to decadent new heights. The magic in these bars comes from the harmonious balance between the tender, buttery shortbread and the smooth, creamy salted caramel filling. The shortbread, made with a generous amount of real butter and a blend of both granulated and powdered sugar, achieves a perfectly delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This luxurious base perfectly cradles the luscious caramel, creating a textural symphony that’s simply divine. When you bite into a Salted Caramel Butter Bar, you'll first encounter the delicate, buttery shortbread that yields gently. This gives way to a luscious, creamy salted caramel layer that offers a delightful chew and a burst of sweet and savory flavor. The optional coarse sea salt sprinkled on top provides an extra pop, enhancing the caramel's depth and ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced. These cookie bars are a truly decadent treat, boasting a substantial texture and rich flavor that makes each serving feel incredibly satisfying. To customize your bars, you can adjust the type of milk or cream used in the caramel for a richer or slightly lighter filling. The coarse sea salt is optional but highly recommended; it’s essential for that sought-after sweet-and-salty contrast and can be added to your personal preference. For a different twist, consider experimenting with a different type of extract in the caramel, though classic vanilla provides a wonderful foundation. These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or simply as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee. They make an impressive and much-loved centerpiece on any dessert platter, sure to earn rave reviews from everyone who tries them.