The air is alight with the sweet promise of indulgence, as golden bars beckon with their salted caramel sheen. With each bite, the buttery richness dances upon the palate, embraced by the gentle kiss of salt. This is not merely a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a symphony of flavor.
Why make this recipe
In the ever-bustling world, these Salted Caramel Butter Bars offer a serene refuge—a moment to pause, savor, and share. The harmonious blend of textures and flavors creates a luxurious experience, perfect for both festivities and quiet afternoons. Baking these bars is an art form, where the alchemy of butter, sugar, and caramel evokes warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness.
How to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing for a gentle overhang along the edges—a thoughtful detail for easy lifting later.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until the mixture transforms into a light and airy cloud. Add the warmth of vanilla extract, blending seamlessly into the fluffy concoction. Gradually introduce the flour, stirring until a rich, thick dough forms, reminiscent of golden sunlight on a summer’s day.
- Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, a restful canvas awaiting its adornment. Set the remaining dough aside, patiently awaiting its moment to shine. Bake for 20 minutes or until it takes on a tender, lightly golden hue.
- As the crust bakes, focus on the delightful fusion of flavors: melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently, watching as both elements meld into a silky, smooth elixir—the very essence of decadence.
- Carefully pour the warm caramel over the baked crust, allowing it to ripple and coat the surface. Sprinkle with sea salt, a measured touch that elevates the sweetness to ethereal heights.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel layer as a final flourish, creating an inviting, textured top. Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, until the topping is set and golden, an indication that patience has been rewarded.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill them briefly to achieve clean, crisp slices before serving—a delightful anticipation that heightens the experience.
How to serve Salted Caramel Butter Bars
These luxurious bars can be served as an exquisite treat for afternoon tea, a delightful conclusion to a hearty meal, or simply enjoyed during moments of relaxation with a cup of rich coffee or hot tea. Their versatility extends to sweet gatherings, where friends can gather to revel in the bliss of shared indulgence.
How to store Salted Caramel Butter Bars
To preserve the tender flavors and textures, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, refrigeration extends their life to a week, although you may find them disappearing much sooner in the company of friends and family.
Tips to make Salted Caramel Butter Bars
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature for an optimal creamy texture.
- Experiment with varying the amount of sea salt to suit your palate; this balance of sweetness and salt is integral to the magic.
- For an enhanced caramel flavor, consider drizzling extra melted caramel on top before serving, a seductive embellishment that beckons with every slice.
Variations
Though the allure of salted caramel is undeniable, consider swapping in different flavors of extracts or adding chocolate chips for a chocolate caramel hybrid, expanding the possibilities of this already divine creation.
FAQs
-
Can I freeze the Salted Caramel Butter Bars?
Absolutely. Allow the bars to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Just thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. -
Can I use a different type of caramel?
Yes! Feel free to explore various types of soft caramels for this recipe—homemade caramel can also elevate the bars if you’re feeling adventurous. -
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You might substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the richness will be slightly less pronounced.
In the world of baking, each measure is a moment, each fold a whisper of time. With patience and love, we create not just food, but art—where every salted layer cradles memories, and every bar beckons us to linger a little longer in the warm embrace of home-baked bliss.
Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and blend well.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until a rich, thick dough forms.
- Press half to two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and set the remaining dough aside.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel layer.
- Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until topping is set and golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill briefly before slicing.