Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Easy and delicious salted caramel butter bars recipe.
Easy and delicious salted caramel butter bars recipe.
- Carbohydrate 71.4860651334833 g
- Cholesterol 87.8779912823418 mg
- Fat 33.458912629177 g
- Fiber 2.01600003730807 g
- Protein 8.56321493452425 g
- Saturated Fat 20.8139211073046 g
- Serving Size 1 1 (158g)
- Sodium 5459.02481903026 mg
- Sugar 69.4700650961752 g
- Trans Fat 2.49480956005103 g
- Calories 620 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Using a mixer on medium speed, beat together until creamy.
- Add the vanilla and beat until combined.
- Sift the flour into the butter mixture and beat on low speed until a smooth soft dough forms.
- Spray a 9x13 inch baking pan lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Press one-third of the dough evenly into the pan to form a bottom crust.
- Wrap remaining dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.
- Bake crust until firm and the edges are a pale golden brown, approximately 20 minutes.
- Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool about 15 minutes.
- 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 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.
- Once the caramel is melted, add in your 1/2 tsp vanilla and stir until combined.
- Pour the caramel filling over the crust.
- If you are going to salt the caramel, sprinkle it on the caramel layer now.
- Remove the remaining chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel.
- 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.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
These salted caramel butter bars are more than just a dessert; they're a delightful experience. The perfect blend of buttery shortbread, rich caramel, and a hint of salt creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. I've always enjoyed baking, ever since I was a little girl helping my grandmother in her kitchen. The smell of warm cookies and the joy of sharing homemade treats with family and friends – these are some of my fondest memories. And these salted caramel butter bars perfectly capture that feeling. They're simple to make, yet incredibly impressive, perfect for a casual weeknight treat or a more elegant gathering. The beautiful golden-brown crust contrasts beautifully with the luscious, deep caramel, making them visually appealing as well as delicious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn't require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few basic pantry staples and a little bit of time are all you need to create these magical bars. I find the process incredibly therapeutic. The rhythmic mixing, the satisfying sound of the dough coming together, and the warm aroma filling the kitchen – it's a calming and rewarding experience. Plus, let's be honest, the end result is a delicious reward for your efforts! The recipe is adaptable too; feel free to experiment with different types of salt, or perhaps add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the topping for added crunch. The possibilities are endless!
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, these salted caramel butter bars are guaranteed to be a success. The recipe is clear and easy to follow, and the results are consistently delightful. They're also incredibly versatile. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying sweet treat. They also travel well, making them perfect for potlucks, picnics, or even a thoughtful gift for friends and family. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in the irresistible goodness of these salted caramel butter bars. The joy of baking, and sharing the delicious results, is a feeling that never gets old. These bars will quickly become a new favorite in your household, bringing smiles and sweet satisfaction to all who indulge.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer caramel flavor, use high-quality caramels.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of salt, such as fleur de sel or smoked sea salt.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping for added crunch.
- If you don't have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar instead, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
