The moment you take a bite of a Salted Caramel Butter Bar, you understand why it’s the kind of dessert that never lasts long on the table. There’s something magical about the combination of buttery shortbread, gooey caramel, and just the right touch of sea salt. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming, rich yet balanced. Whether you’re craving a cozy treat to enjoy with your coffee or need an easy-to-make crowd-pleaser for a gathering, this Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe is exactly what you need.

I still remember the first time I made these bars. It was a chilly autumn afternoon, and the smell of warm caramel filled my kitchen as I pulled the pan from the oven. I impatiently waited for them to cool, but I couldn’t resist sneaking a warm bite. That first taste—soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a hint of salt—was pure heaven. My family devoured the entire batch within hours, and from that day on, these bars became a staple in our home, making appearances at every holiday, potluck, and late-night dessert craving session.

Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

A Few Reasons to Try This Recipe:

Rich and Buttery: The shortbread crust delivers an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance: A touch of sea salt enhances the caramel’s deep, rich flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, and bake sales.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
Customizable: Swap the caramel for Nutella, chocolate, or fruit fillings for variety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

First: Preparation

Before you begin, gather all necessary ingredients and tools:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups salted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

14 ounces soft caramel candies (about 50 individual caramels), unwrapped
⅓ cup milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Optional) 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt

Tools Needed:

Stand mixer or hand mixer
9×13 baking dish
Nonstick spray
Microwave-safe bowl
Plastic wrap

Second: Making the Shortbread Crust for Caramel Butter Bars

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
In a stand mixer, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar for about 2 minutes.
Add vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing at low speed until a soft dough forms.
Press one-third of the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator.
Bake the pressed dough for 20 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

Third: Preparing the Salted Caramel Filling for Butter Bars

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and milk (or cream).
Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. If not fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each.
Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread base.
(Optional) Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the caramel layer for an added salty kick.

Fourth: Assembling and Baking the Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Remove the chilled dough from the fridge and crumble it over the caramel layer.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is firm and lightly golden.
Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Use High-Quality Butter: The butter plays a major role in the shortbread’s richness.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overworking the dough can make the crust tough.
Choose the Right Caramel: Soft caramel candies melt better than caramel sauce.
Cool Before Cutting: Letting the bars cool prevents them from crumbling.
Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

For those who love rich and indulgent flavors, you might also enjoy this Easy Cracker Barrel Meatloaf Recipe, a hearty and comforting dish perfect for dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Skipping the Chilling Step: Chilling the dough helps create the best texture.
Overbaking the Crust: The crust should be lightly golden, not brown.
Using Too Much Flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to dry, crumbly bars.
Not Melting Caramel Properly: Ensure caramel is fully smooth before pouring.

FAQs About Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of caramel candies?

Yes, but caramel candies create a chewier, more stable filling. If using sauce, opt for a thick variety.

Q: How do I make these bars less sweet?

Use unsalted butter, reduce the sugar slightly, and increase the sea salt to balance flavors.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: How do I keep my shortbread crust from getting too hard?

Bake just until golden. Overbaking leads to a crunchy, rather than soft, shortbread texture.

Q: Can I add nuts or chocolate to the recipe?

Yes! Try adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor.

If you’re a fan of caramel desserts, you might want to try this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake for a delicious fusion of gooey caramel, fudgy brownies, and creamy cheesecake.

Conclusion

The Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a rich, buttery, and indulgent dessert. With a crisp shortbread base, gooey caramel center, and a crumbly topping, these bars are a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

For another mouthwatering treat, check out these Mini Crème Brûlée Cheesecakes, a decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the caramelized top of classic crème brûlée.

If you love this recipe, share it with your friends and family! Let us know in the comments if you tried it, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious results. Happy baking!