Heavenly Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

My weekend baking experiments recently discovered this gooey salted caramel butter cake bars sensation that transforms ordinary dessert time into pure bliss.

Sweet memories from childhood sparked this incredible recipe adventure.

Caramel lovers will absolutely go crazy for these decadent squares of deliciousness.

Nobody can resist the perfect balance between rich butter and delicate salt crystals melting across warm cake layers.

Unexpected texture combinations make these bars an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Warm ovens and simple ingredients are all you need to create magic in your kitchen.

Let’s make something extraordinary that will have everyone begging for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt for the caramel?

Use sea salt if possible, as it provides a more complex flavor profile and better texture. Regular table salt can work but might make the caramel taste slightly flat.

• How do I know if the caramel is cooked correctly?

Watch for a deep amber color and a rich, slightly nutty aroma. The caramel should be smooth and not burnt. When you tilt the pan, it should flow smoothly but not be too thin.

• What if my caramel starts to crystallize?

If your caramel begins to form sugar crystals, add a tablespoon of water and gently stir over low heat. Avoid rapid stirring, which can cause more crystallization. Consistent, gentle heat helps maintain a smooth caramel.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Taste Like Heaven

Effortless Weekend Delight: A cake bar that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.

Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and impromptu dessert needs – takes under an hour from start to finish.

Layered Flavor Sensation: Combines rich butter cake, decadent salted caramel, and creamy cream cheese for a multi-dimensional taste experience.

Stress-Free Baking: Minimal prep work, straightforward technique, and forgiving recipe make it ideal for novice bakers seeking impressive results.

Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bar Breakdown

• Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides moistness and flavor to the cake bars.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
• All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for the cake bars, creating a soft crumb.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, tangy dimension to the cake bars.
• Salted Caramel Sauce: Provides gooey, sweet-salty contrast and decadent flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies overall taste profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for elegant presentation and extra touch of sweetness.

Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Method

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Take a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create The Cake Foundation

• Softened butter
• White sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy with a light, creamy consistency.

Step 3: Spread And Initial Bake

Pour the cake mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the cake starts to set but is not fully cooked.

Step 4: Craft The Caramel Magic

Prepare the salted caramel sauce by cooking sugar until it turns golden brown.

Carefully add heavy cream and butter, stirring continuously.

Sprinkle sea salt into the caramel for that perfect sweet-salty flavor.

Gently pour the warm caramel over the partially baked cake layer.

Step 5: Layer With Cream Cheese Decadence

Whip cream cheese until smooth, then mix with powdered sugar.

Carefully spread this creamy layer over the caramel, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 6: Final Baking Performance

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes.

Look for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center that will set as it cools.

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into generous squares and serve.

Tricks For Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Allow butter to soften at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, creamy cake batter without lumps.
• Stir caramel sauce constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and achieve a perfect golden-brown color without bitter notes.
• Use overhanging parchment paper for easy removal, creating clean bar edges and preventing cake from sticking to the pan.
• Refrigerate the cake bars for 30 minutes after cooling to help them set and slice cleanly into neat, picture-perfect squares.
• Experiment with different salt types like flaky sea salt or pink Himalayan salt to create unique flavor profiles in your salted caramel layer.

Keep Caramel Butter Cake Bars Fresh and Ready to Reheat

• Store leftover cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
• Warm refrigerated bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until just warmed through.

Treats That Pair with Caramel Butter Bars

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Latte: Rich espresso softens the cake's intense sweetness, complementing the buttery caramel layers with smooth coffee undertones.
• Serve Chilled Salted Caramel Martini: Boozy cocktail echoes the dessert's salted caramel notes, creating a sophisticated adult dessert experience with matching flavor profiles.
• Match Amber Aged Rum: Warm, oakey rum highlights the caramel's deep complexity, providing a luxurious liquid companion that enhances the cake's rich texture.
• Complement Chai Tea: Spiced tea cuts through the dessert's richness, offering a warm, aromatic contrast that balances the cake's dense, sweet characteristics.

Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars with Extra Gooey Touches

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond or gluten-free blend for celiac or wheat-sensitive individuals, maintaining the cake's rich texture and flavor profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs, and create dairy-free caramel using coconut cream and coconut sugar for plant-based diet followers.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce caramel quantity, and use sugar-free powdered sweetener to create a diabetic-friendly dessert option.
• Nut-Free Modification: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour, omit any nut-based ingredients, and ensure all components are processed in nut-free environments for those with nut allergies.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter cake bars deliver pure dessert bliss with luxurious layers of sweet and salty goodness. Rich, buttery squares promise a heavenly experience that melts in your mouth and satisfies deep comfort cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) butter
• 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Topping and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (170 grams) salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Meticulously line a rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal.
2. Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating eggs and vanilla extract to develop a silky smooth cake foundation.
3. Gently transfer the velvety cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform base layer.
4. Partially bake the cake layer until it sets slightly, developing a golden edge and slightly firm texture.
5. Craft a luxurious salted caramel filling by carefully heating sugar until it transforms into a rich amber liquid, then introduce heavy cream and butter to create a glossy, decadent sauce.
6. Delicately pour the warm salted caramel over the partially baked cake layer, allowing it to seep into the soft cake base.
7. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, creating a luscious topping that will complement the caramel’s deep flavor profile.
8. Drizzle the cream cheese mixture across the caramel layer, using a knife to create elegant swirls and patterns.
9. Return the pan to the oven, baking until the top becomes golden and the edges develop a slight crisp, signaling the perfect texture.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.
11. Once cooled, lift the entire dessert from the pan using parchment paper edges and slice into precise, elegant bars.
12. Garnish with a light dusting of flaky sea salt to enhance the caramel’s complexity and serve at room temperature.

Notes

• Choose high-quality butter for a richer, more decadent flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to guarantee smooth mixing and consistent texture throughout the cake bars.
• Use flaky sea salt like Maldon for the caramel layer to create delightful bursts of salty-sweet contrast that will surprise taste buds.
• Chill the bars completely before cutting to achieve clean, precise edges and prevent the layers from blending together messily.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg