The Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe You’ll Crave

Sweet memories flood back when I think about this irresistible salted caramel butter cake bars that melt effortlessly on your tongue.

Layers of rich, golden goodness promise an indulgent experience unlike any dessert you’ve tried before.

Buttery textures blend seamlessly with deep caramel notes that dance across each delectable bite.

Delicate salt crystals add unexpected complexity to the sugary landscape.

Creamy and decadent, these bars challenge traditional dessert expectations with their luxurious profile.

Baking enthusiasts and sweet tooth champions will absolutely adore this simple yet sophisticated treat that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

You can create magic in your kitchen with just a few basic steps.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars That Delight

• Whip Up Comfort: Indulge in a decadent dessert that wraps you in pure comfort with its rich, gooey layers and warm caramel embrace.
• Impress Without Stress: Create a show-stopping treat that looks professionally made but requires minimal baking skills and simple ingredients.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or when you need a sweet pick-me-up that satisfies every sweet tooth.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe that lets you play with toppings, salt levels, or caramel intensity to match your personal dessert preferences.

Ingredients for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A standard baking flour that provides structure for the cake bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a soft, moist cake base.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake bars.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy layer with a smooth and creamy texture.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Eggs: Help bind the cream cheese layer and provide structure.

• Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds a delicious sweet and salty flavor to the cake bars.
• Sea Salt: Provides a final burst of flavor and enhances the caramel notes.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bars easier.

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Lightly grease the parchment to ensure smooth bar removal.

Step 2: Create Buttery Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking powder

Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth, compact base.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth.

• Powdered sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps.

Pour this creamy layer over the cake base, spreading it gently and evenly.

Step 4: Swirl Caramel Magic

Drizzle salted caramel sauce across the top of the cream cheese layer.

Use a knife or toothpick to create elegant swirling patterns, allowing the caramel to marble through the cream cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center remains slightly jiggly.

The bars will continue to set as they cool.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle flaky sea salt across the top.

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire dessert out, then slice into squares.

Tips to Perfect Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Line your baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the sides overhang for easy removal and effortless bar cutting.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• When adding caramel sauce, use a toothpick or knife to create gentle, elegant swirls without overmixing the layers.
• Watch for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center to achieve that signature gooey texture without overbaking.
• Use high-quality sea salt flakes for a sophisticated flavor boost and beautiful finishing touch on the bars.

Variation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Bars: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Caramel Dream Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based cream cheese, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a dairy-free, egg-free version.
• Low-Sugar Caramel Bars: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and sugar-free caramel sauce for diabetic-friendly or low-carb diet options.
• Chocolate Lover's Caramel Bars: Add cocoa powder to the cake base and drizzle dark chocolate sauce alongside the caramel for a rich chocolate variation.

Serving Suggestions for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Sweet Celebration Platter: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant dessert presentation.
• Caramel Companion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Coffee Pairing Paradise: Complement these bars with a rich espresso or cappuccino to enhance the deep caramel flavors and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Gifting Delight: Package individual bars in cute parchment paper wraps with a ribbon for a homemade sweet gift that friends and family will adore.

Storage Tips for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store the cake bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the caramel from becoming too soft.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps preserve their texture and flavor.
• Warm the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to restore their gooey texture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the cake.

FAQs

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.

• How do I know when the cake bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center. The bars will continue to set as they cool, creating that signature gooey texture.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat bar cuts?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the bars for 30 minutes before cutting also helps create precise edges.

• Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make with sugar, heavy cream, butter, and a pinch of salt, which will elevate the overall flavor of the dessert.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter cake bars deliver a rich, indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions. Creamy caramel and buttery layers combine to create an irresistible treat you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup flour
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and create a non-stick surface by carefully lining the baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Whip softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and pale, then incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and integrated.
3. Gently fold flour into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined without overmixing, then evenly press the batter into the prepared pan’s bottom.
4. Craft the cream cheese layer by blending cream cheese with powdered sugar and eggs until silky and uniform in texture.
5. Delicately cascade the cream cheese mixture over the cake base, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
6. Artfully drizzle salted caramel sauce across the cream cheese layer, using a knife to create elegant swirling patterns.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake approximately 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown edge and slightly jiggly center.
8. After removing from oven, sprinkle a delicate layer of sea salt across the surface and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Once cooled, lift the bars from the pan using parchment edges and slice into precise, uniform squares for serving.

Notes

• Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Avoid overmixing the cake base to prevent a tough, dense texture; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Enhance the caramel flavor by using homemade salted caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg