Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Delicious layers of buttery crust and gooey salted caramel topped with flaky sea salt, these bars are the ultimate sweet treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature butter for a creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the filling and topping
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Use a gourmet homemade sauce for a special touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon flaked sea salt, for garnish Sprinkle on top after baking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Press two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce. Pour this mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Crumble the remaining crust mixture over the caramel filling, covering it as evenly as possible.
Baking
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
- Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan. Sprinkle with flaked sea salt, then cut into squares.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence. Avoid over-baking to retain moisture.