Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Delightful buttery bars topped with rich salted caramel, perfect for desserts or snacks.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Topping
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until combined to form a dough.
- Spread the dough into the prepared baking dish evenly and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Caramel Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir continuously until it comes to a boil.
- Allow it to boil for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Assembly
- Pour the warm caramel over the baked base, spreading it out evenly.
- Allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of flaky sea salt over the caramel topping while it’s still warm.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature or in the fridge until fully set, about 1-2 hours.
- Once set, cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave for a fresh experience.