Salted Caramel Butter Bars – Sweet and Salty Dessert

When you combine velvety caramel with layers of buttery shortbread and just a touch of sea salt, something magical happens. These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are proof that the sweet and salty combo is pure dessert perfection. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself to a moment of indulgence, these bars are irresistibly rich, gooey, and downright addictive.

Perfect as a spring dessert, a decadent snack for one, or a standout treat for your next party, this recipe brings bakery-quality flavor into your kitchen with surprisingly simple ingredients. If you love desserts with caramel, crave that flaky, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or are searching for new sheet cake bars or sweet salty desserts to try, this one’s a must-bake.

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What Are Salted Caramel Butter Bars?

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a layered dessert made with a buttery shortbread-style crust, a luscious caramel center, and a crumbly topping. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt, the bars strike a perfect balance between rich sweetness and subtle saltiness.

They’re chewy and gooey in the center but firm enough to slice cleanly. These bars fall under the category of show stopper desserts thanks to their golden hue, crackled top, and indulgent texture. Think of them as a more refined cousin to your average dessert bars—with all the buttery depth and sweetness of caramel but elevated with texture and salt.

Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Butter Bars

There are plenty of reasons this recipe belongs in your permanent dessert rotation:

• Easy to make: No complex steps, just layering and baking.
• Rich and satisfying: One small piece goes a long way (but you’ll still want another!).
• Perfect for gatherings: These bars cut cleanly and look stunning on dessert platters.
• Great make-ahead dessert: They store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Highly adaptable: You can play with flavors and textures (think pecan chewies or drizzled chocolate).

Whether you’re baking for spring brunch, sharing bars with caramel at a potluck, or keeping them all to yourself, these will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Caramel Bars

These simple pantry staples are all you need to create this indulgent treat:

For the Butter Base & Topping:

• 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Center:

• One (14 oz) bag of soft caramel candies (such as Kraft caramels)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1–2 teaspoons sea salt (flaky sea salt for finishing)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans (for a chewy, nutty variation)
• Chocolate chips or drizzle
• Ground cinnamon for a warm twist

This generous ingredient list makes a large 9×13-inch pan of bars—perfect for sharing.

Essential Baking Tools for Butter Bars

Make sure you have these tools on hand before you begin:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
• Offset spatula or spoon
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting caramel)
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife for cutting clean bars

These tools help streamline the process and ensure perfect, evenly baked results.

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars (Step-by-Step)

This dessert comes together easily with just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 2–3 minutes with a mixer. Add in the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

Gradually add the flour and mix just until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—it should be soft but not sticky.

Step 2: Press and Bake the Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Take about two-thirds of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Filling

While the base is baking, unwrap the caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and pourable.

You can also melt the caramel over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly. Once smooth, set aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Once the base layer is baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the melted caramel evenly over the warm crust, spreading with a spatula to reach the edges. Sprinkle with sea salt to taste.

Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, leaving some spots exposed so the caramel can peek through.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling slightly.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is important for clean slicing. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

Store in an airtight container or serve immediately with coffee or tea.

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Flavor Variations: Pecan Chewies, Chocolate, Spiced Caramel

These salted caramel butter bars are delicious as-is, but here are some flavor variations to try:

• Pecan Chewies: Add chopped pecans to the caramel layer for extra texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle the top with melted dark or white chocolate.
• Spiced Caramel: Stir in ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg into the caramel.
• Almond Twist: Add a few drops of almond extract to the dough and top with sliced almonds.

These options can help you turn this base recipe into multiple spring dessert bars or seasonal showpieces.

Tips for the Best Sheet Cake Bars Texture

To ensure buttery, bakery-quality results every time, follow these tips:

• Use softened butter: This helps create the perfect dough texture.
• Don’t skip parchment paper: Makes removal clean and easy.
• Let them cool completely: The caramel firms up as it cools, making slicing much easier.
• Use high-quality sea salt: Flaky salt enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

These little details make a big difference in turning a good dessert into a great one.

Serving Ideas for Sweet Salty Desserts

These bars are versatile and perfect for serving at all kinds of occasions. Try these ideas:

• Cut into bite-size pieces for dessert platters
• Serve with coffee as a mid-morning treat
• Top with whipped cream and berries for a plated dessert
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
• Add to a dessert board with cookies and unique pastries recipes

Their rich flavor and beautiful golden look make them one of the best show stopper desserts around.

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Here’s how to keep your bars fresh:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend shelf life to 7 days, especially in warm weather.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.

You can even freeze individual bars for a sweet grab-and-go snack later.

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FAQs About Caramel Bars and Dessert Bars

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but make sure it’s a thicker sauce—not a runny drizzle. It should be thick enough to hold between the layers.

Can I add nuts to the bars?
Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or walnuts are all excellent choices for added crunch and flavor.

Do I need to refrigerate these?
Not necessarily, but refrigeration can help them stay firm and last longer.

How long do they last?
Up to 4 days at room temperature, or longer in the fridge or freezer.

Can I cut the recipe in half?
Yes! Use an 8×8-inch baking dish and reduce baking time slightly.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are the ultimate sweet-meets-salty treat. With layers of buttery dough, rich caramel, and a hint of sea salt, every bite is decadent and deeply satisfying. They’re perfect for every season, occasion, or no reason at all.

Whether you’re baking for a crowd, bringing something special to a gathering, or simply treating yourself, these bars deliver big-time flavor with minimal effort.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious bars with caramel, easy dessert bakes, and your favorite sweet salty desserts turned homemade favorites!

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