Easy Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Dessert lovers crave these mouthwatering salted caramel butter cake bars that melt hearts with their rich, decadent texture.

Sweet memories dance across taste buds when you bite into these irresistible treats.

Layers of buttery goodness promise pure indulgence without complicated techniques.

caramel golden shimmer creates a luxurious backdrop for each delectable square.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical.

Comfort meets elegance in this crowd-pleasing confection that sparks joy with every delicious crumb.

Prepare to experience a dessert that turns ordinary moments into extraordinary celebrations.

What Makes Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Special

• Indulge in Decadence: Satisfy your sweet tooth with an irresistible dessert that combines rich caramel, creamy layers, and a hint of sea salt for a luxurious treat.
• Simplify Baking: Create a showstopping dessert with minimal prep using pantry staples and a cake mix, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Impress family and friends with a versatile dessert that works wonderfully for potlucks, gatherings, or a special weekend indulgence.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by experimenting with different caramel sauces or adding extra toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and flavor to the dessert.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the cake base together.
• Egg: Provides moisture and helps create a cohesive cake base.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy and tangy foundation for the rich layer.
• Eggs: Contribute to the smooth and custard-like texture of the gooey mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the gooey layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Butter: Adds depth and a smooth consistency to the gooey layer.

• Caramel Sauce: Provides a sweet, golden drizzle that adds indulgent flavor.
• Sea Salt: Offers a contrasting salty element that balances the dessert's sweetness.

How to Bake Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C). Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

• Cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg

Blend everything until it forms a smooth mixture. Press this delectable base evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, creating a perfect foundation for your bars.

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Filling

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Mix thoroughly until everything is beautifully combined.

Gradually fold in powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture reaches a dreamy, velvety consistency.

Step 4: Layer with Caramel Magic

Pour half of the gooey filling over the cake base.

Drizzle caramel sauce generously across the surface. Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel to create a tantalizing sweet-salty contrast.

Step 5: Add the Final Gooey Layer

Gently pour the remaining gooey filling over the caramel layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

You’re looking for a set top with a slightly gooey center – the hallmark of an incredible dessert.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely.

This patience will help them set and make slicing a breeze. Cut into delectable squares and prepare to wow everyone with your baking skills.

Helpful Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Opt for high-quality sea salt to enhance the caramel's rich flavor and create a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing and a more consistent gooey layer texture.
• Let the bars cool completely to achieve the perfect gooey consistency and make clean, precise slices.
• Chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting to get neater, more defined edges.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Flavorful Variations for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Butter Bars: Replace cake mix with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Caramel Bliss Bars: Swap butter with coconut oil, use egg replacer or mashed banana, and create dairy-free caramel sauce using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Chocolate Lovers' Caramel Bars: Add cocoa powder to cake base, mix chocolate chips into gooey layer, and drizzle dark chocolate sauce over caramel for intense chocolate experience.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch Bars: Incorporate chopped pecans or almonds into cake base and sprinkle toasted nuts on top for extra texture and rich, nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair these decadent bars with a hot cappuccino or fresh-brewed coffee for a luxurious morning treat that melts in your mouth.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Slice bars into smaller squares and arrange on a beautiful serving tray with fresh berries and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Cozy Comfort Style: Warm the bars slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a warm-cold contrast that elevates the caramel's rich flavor profile.
• Party Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into bite-sized pieces for potlucks or gatherings, allowing guests to enjoy the gooey salted caramel goodness without overwhelming their plates.

Storage Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store leftover salted caramel butter cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual bars tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the cake's delicate texture.
• Freeze the bars for longer storage, up to 3 months, by wrapping them securely in freezer-safe packaging.

FAQs

• How do I know when the cake bars are done baking?

Look for a set top with a slightly jiggly center. The edges should be lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted near the edge will come out mostly clean while the center remains soft.

• Can I make this recipe without a mixer?

Yes, you can use a whisk or wooden spoon. Mix the gooey layer ingredients thoroughly by hand, ensuring the cream cheese is smooth and all ingredients are well combined.

• What type of caramel sauce works best?

Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce both work great. Choose a thick, rich caramel that won’t make the bars too runny. If using homemade, let it cool slightly before drizzling.

Rich Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter cake bars blend sweet and salty flavors in a rich, indulgent dessert. Creamy caramel and buttery layers create a mouthwatering treat that satisfies intense cravings and delights you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 12 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese
• 4 cups (454 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 cup caramel sauce

Supporting Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Create the foundational cake layer by combining cake mix, melted butter, and egg until a cohesive dough forms. Firmly press the mixture into an even, compact base across the entire baking dish.
3. Craft the decadent cream cheese layer by whipping cream cheese until silky smooth. Incorporate eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, blending until fully integrated.
4. Gradually fold powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, whisking until achieving a luxurious, velvety consistency without lumps.
5. Distribute half of the cream cheese mixture evenly across the cake base, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Elegantly drizzle caramel sauce over the initial cream cheese layer, creating a mesmerizing pattern. Sprinkle sea salt delicately to enhance flavor complexity.
7. Gently cascade the remaining cream cheese mixture over the caramel, using a spatula to spread softly and conceal the caramel layer.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the surface sets while maintaining a slight jiggle in the center, indicating perfect gooey texture.
9. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature before slicing into indulgent bars.

Notes

• Select a high-quality cake mix for a more robust flavor foundation that elevates the entire dessert.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother, lump-free gooey layer that blends seamlessly.
• Use flaky sea salt sparingly to balance the sweetness without overwhelming the caramel’s rich profile.
• Refrigerate bars for 1-2 hours before serving to help them set and create cleaner, more defined slices that showcase the gooey texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 433
• Sugar: 42 g
• Sodium: 148 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 63 mg