Salted Caramel Butter Bars: A Decadent Delight
Indulge your sweet tooth with these irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars. This decadent treat features a buttery shortbread crust topped with a luscious caramel layer and finished with a crumbly cookie topping. The perfect balance of sweet, salty, and buttery flavors makes these bars an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a satisfying dessert, these bars are sure to impress.
Course: Dessert Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 45-50 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes Servings: 24-30 bars
Ingredients
Crust/Topping:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Filling:
- 50-60 caramel candies, unwrapped (14 oz. bag)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the flour until a dough forms.
- Create the base: Press one-third of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Take it out of the oven and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Prepare the caramel: While the crust cools, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. Blend in the vanilla extract and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the caramel over the cooled crust and sprinkle with additional sea salt. Crumble the remaining dough evenly over the caramel layer.
- Bake and cool: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 26-28 minutes, or until the top crumble is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool down entirely in the pan before slicing them.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature butter: For a smoother crust, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before creaming with the sugars.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in a tough crust. Combine ingredients until just mixed.
- Watch the caramel: Keep a close eye on the caramel while microwaving to prevent burning.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
Serving Suggestions
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are best served at room temperature. Place leftovers in a sealed container and keep at room temperature for a maximum of 3 days. For a more indulgent experience, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling and informative article that will attract readers and entice them to try this delicious recipe.
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