Introduction
Welcome to the world of indulgent treats! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that will make your taste buds dance with joy: Salted Caramel Butter Bars. These bars are rich, buttery, and topped with a luscious layer of caramel, all perfectly complimented by a sprinkle of sea salt. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to pamper yourself, these bars are irresistibly delicious and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, inviting you in with its sweet aroma.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to blend well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, comforting flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt — this will create the perfect base for our bars!
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want to keep that lovely tenderness!
- Spread half of the dough into the prepared baking pan, pressing it down evenly to form a solid base.
- Drizzle the rich caramel sauce generously over the dough, allowing it to flow into every nook and cranny, and then sprinkle with sea salt for a delightful flavor explosion.
- Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, creating a beautiful, textured topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares and serving to your eager guests (or enjoying them all by yourself!).
Notes or Tips
For an extra touch of decadence, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce over the cooled bars before serving. You can also substitute the caramel sauce with your favorite chocolate sauce for a delightful twist! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their chewiness.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering the technique of creaming butter and sugar is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture in your bars. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for the best results. When spreading the dough, wetting your hands slightly can help keep the dough from sticking to your fingers.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the salt added in the recipe. You might want to reduce the sea salt on top as well.
What type of caramel sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own from scratch for an incredibly rich flavor. Homemade caramel can elevate your bars to a whole new level!
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the perfect way to indulge your sweet tooth. With their delightful combination of buttery goodness, a rich layer of caramel, and a hint of sea salt, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Bake a batch today, and watch them disappear in no time. Enjoy the blissful bites of pure deliciousness!