Irresistible Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Prepare for a mind-blowing adventure with these salted caramel butter cake bars that redefine dessert decadence.

Sweet meets salty in a perfect harmony of flavors dancing across your taste buds.

Creamy caramel swirls through rich butter cake, creating an irresistible texture that melts instantly.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that transforms an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Baking these bars requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Dessert enthusiasts and casual snackers alike will fall head over heels for this incredible treat.

You won’t be able to resist cutting just one more slice of pure indulgence.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce works perfectly and can add a more rich, personalized flavor to the cake bars.

• How do I know when the cake bars are fully baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely wet.

• What type of sea salt works best for this recipe?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon works wonderfully, providing a nice crunch and balanced saltiness that complements the sweet caramel.

• Is it okay to substitute ingredients like margarine or alternative sugars?

Stick to butter and regular granulated/brown sugars for the best texture and classic flavor profile of these cake bars.

Why Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Work

• Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert combines two ultimate favorites – chocolate chip cookies and ice cream – creating a showstopping treat that guarantees smiles from both kids and adults.
• Master No-Bake Magic: Zero oven time means you can assemble this dessert quickly without complicated cooking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers looking to impress.
• Customize Your Creation: Feel free to swap in different cookie types or add extra mix-ins like caramel sauce, sprinkles, or nuts to personalize this dessert according to your taste preferences.
• Prepare Ahead with Ease: This cake can be made days in advance and stored in the freezer, which makes it an ideal dessert for parties, celebrations, or unexpected sweet cravings.

Ingredients Needed for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth texture and enhances the cake's flavor.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that contribute to the cake's rich caramel-like taste and soft texture.

• Eggs: Binding agents that help create a cohesive and moist cake structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor that complements the caramel notes.
• Caramel Sauce: A smooth, sweet sauce that creates a gooey center and adds depth to the dessert.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: A thick, sweet ingredient that contributes to the cake's rich and creamy consistency.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure-building ingredient for the cake bars.
• Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
• Sea Salt: A finishing ingredient that adds a contrasting flavor and elevates the caramel taste.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350F and prepare a baking pan by greasing it thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Butter And Sugars

Use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugars until the mixture becomes light, airy, and looks like fluffy clouds.

Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add eggs and vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Mix everything until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated.

Step 5: Create First Dough Layer

Press half of the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, creating a smooth base.

Step 6: Add Caramel Goodness

• Caramel sauce
• Sweetened condensed milk

Sprinkle sea salt across the surface for a delightful flavor contrast.

Step 7: Top With Remaining Dough

Carefully spread the remaining dough over the caramel layer, covering it completely.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Cool And Slice

Allow the baked dessert to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into delectable bars.

Pro Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Chill the dough for 30 minutes before assembling to prevent sticky handling and ensure cleaner layers.
• Use high-quality caramel sauce for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Sprinkle extra sea salt flakes on top after baking for enhanced texture and gourmet presentation.
• Room temperature ingredients blend smoother, creating a more consistent and tender cake bar texture.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

Variations for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Chocolate Swirl Edition: Melt dark chocolate and create beautiful marbled patterns throughout the cake bars by swirling chocolate into the dough layers before baking.
• Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between caramel layers and on top for extra texture and rich, roasted flavor.
• Raspberry Burst Bars: Add fresh raspberry preserves between cake layers to create a tangy, fruity contrast with the sweet caramel.
• Coconut Caramel Dream: Mix shredded coconut into the cake batter and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical-inspired dessert experience.

Serving Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Slice these delectable bars into small squares perfect for sharing during movie nights. Gather everyone around the table, passing the plate and enjoying sweet conversations while savoring each gooey, caramel-filled bite.
• Arrange bars on a beautiful wooden board with some fresh mint leaves and powdered sugar dusting. Create an Instagram-worthy dessert display that looks professionally styled yet feels wonderfully homemade and inviting.
• Wrap individual bars in parchment paper with a cute ribbon, creating heartwarming homemade gifts. Package them in small boxes for teachers, neighbors, or friends who deserve a special sweet treat that shows genuine care and effort.

Storage Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store cooled cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Layer bars between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place a piece of bread in the container to help maintain softness and prevent them from becoming too dry.
• Separate layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent bars from sticking together. This method helps maintain the individual bar's shape and prevents them from breaking when storing or transporting.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Irresistible gooey salted caramel butter cake bars blend rich flavors from classic Southern desserts. Creamy caramel and buttery layers create a luxurious treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (226 g) salted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) caramel sauce
• 1 tbsp sea salt flakes

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Whip butter and sugars together until achieving a pale, airy consistency with soft peaks.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending until smooth and uniform.
4. Sift together dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate mixing bowl.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
6. Transfer half the dough into the prepared pan, pressing evenly across the bottom to create a uniform base layer.
7. Drizzle caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk over the first dough layer, ensuring even distribution.
8. Sprinkle sea salt flakes across the caramel surface for enhanced flavor complexity.
9. Carefully spread remaining dough on top, creating a gentle covering over the caramel layer.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden brown and center appears set.
11. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
12. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into rectangular bars using a sharp knife.

Notes

• Use room temperature butter and eggs for smoother, more even cake texture that blends perfectly.
• Choose high-quality caramel sauce for richer flavor, or make homemade caramel for extra depth and personalized taste.
• Adjust sea salt sprinkle based on preference – less for mild sweetness, more for pronounced salted caramel contrast.
• Refrigerate bars for cleaner cutting and firmer texture, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg