Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Indulge in the perfect combination of buttery goodness and rich caramel with these Salted Caramel Butter Bars! A decadent treat that will satisfy your sweet cravings in a single bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• Sea salt, for sprinkling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
• Press half of the dough into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes.
• Pour caramel sauce over the baked crust, then crumble the remaining dough on top.
• Sprinkle sea salt over the top and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes.
• Allow to cool before slicing into bars.

Popular questions:

• Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade caramel sauce will give a richer flavor.

• Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

You can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of added salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over seasoning.

• Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, you can freeze these bars for up to 1 month. Allow them to thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the dough?

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.

• How can I prevent the caramel from burning?

Keep an eye on the bars while baking and cover loosely with foil if the caramel starts to brown too quickly.

Helpful tips:

• Add a dash of vanilla extract to the dough for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds on top for a crunchy texture.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a more decadent finish.
• For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and caramel sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Expert Secrets:

• Ensure the butter is properly softened for easy creaming with the sugar.
• Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor profile.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Experiment with different types of sea salt for a unique flavor profile.
• For a gooier caramel layer, slightly warm up the caramel sauce before pouring over the crust.