There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet and salty flavors in desserts. The rich sweetness of caramel paired with a hint of salt creates a depth of flavor that is both indulgent and satisfying. Among the best sweet-and-salty treats, Salted Caramel Butter Bars stand out as the ultimate dessert indulgence. These buttery, crumbly bars layered with luscious salted caramel are the perfect treat for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple weeknight cravings.

What Makes Salted Caramel Butter Bars So Special?

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors. The buttery shortbread base melts in your mouth, while the smooth, velvety caramel layer provides a rich sweetness balanced by the perfect touch of salt. The crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite an experience worth savoring.

This dessert is incredibly versatile. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed with a cup of coffee, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Best of all, they are easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.

Ingredients for the Perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars

To achieve the best flavor and texture, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shortbread Base & Topping:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)

How To Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. The mixture will resemble coarse crumbs.
Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

2: Make the Salted Caramel

In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the mixture to cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Watch closely to avoid burning.
Remove from heat and carefully add the butter, stirring until melted.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up—this is normal.
Stir in the sea salt and let the caramel cool slightly.

3: Assemble & Bake

Pour the warm salted caramel evenly over the baked shortbread base.
Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the top, allowing some caramel to peek through.
Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing.
Don’t overmix the shortbread dough, as it should remain slightly crumbly for the best texture.
Monitor the caramel closely to prevent burning. A deep amber color is key to a rich caramel flavor.
For clean slices, refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before cutting.

Serving & Storing Suggestions

These bars can be enjoyed in various ways:

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
Sprinkle with extra sea salt before serving for added flavor contrast.

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.

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Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and salty goodness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. Try making a batch today and enjoy the magic of this classic dessert!

Happy Baking!