Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, indulgent flavors. With a buttery base, a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce, and a golden-brown finish, these bars are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
7. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the batter.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter on top of the caramel sauce.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
10. Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 bars
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

1. Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch.
2. Chocolate Chips: For an extra indulgence, mix in some chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
3. More Caramel: If you love caramel, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top once the bars have cooled for an even richer flavor.
4. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.
5. Spiced Flavor: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced twist on this dessert.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and they will last for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the bars in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes to warm them up.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? While it’s best to use unsalted butter for control over the salt content, you can use salted butter and reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe.
2. Can I make the salted caramel sauce myself? Yes, you can make homemade salted caramel sauce. There are many simple recipes available that require sugar, butter, and cream.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought salted caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe.
4. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and enjoy when you’re ready.
5. Why are my bars too gooey? If your bars are too gooey, they may need a few more minutes in the oven. Check the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs, the bars are done.
6. How do I make these bars firmer? If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the bars after they cool, which will help them set up more solidly.
7. Can I add chocolate to the caramel layer? Yes! You can drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel layer before adding the second layer of batter for a chocolate-caramel combination.
8. How can I make these bars less sweet? Reduce the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup in the recipe for a less sweet version. You could also use a sugar substitute to lower the sweetness.
9. Can I use a different type of caramel sauce? If you don’t want salted caramel, you can use regular caramel sauce, but the flavor will differ slightly. The salt adds an extra layer of richness.
10. Can I make this recipe in a different size pan? Yes, you can adjust the size of the baking dish. For smaller bars, use an 8×8 inch pan, but be sure to adjust the baking time as they may cook faster.

Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect treat for caramel lovers. These bars are rich, buttery, and gooey with just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to satisfy your dessert needs. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or after they’ve cooled—either way, they’ll be a hit!

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