Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe: Heavenly Sweetness

Indulging in a decadent salted caramel butter cake bars journey promises pure bliss for sweet-tooth adventurers.

Layers of rich, buttery goodness melt together with golden caramel notes.

Delicate salt crystals dance across each sumptuous bite, creating complex flavor profiles.

Soft textures contrast against crisp edges, making these bars irresistibly tempting.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum deliciousness, surprising even experienced bakers.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dessert treat.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cream cheese mixture from sinking into the cake base?

Make sure the cake base is firmly pressed and slightly baked before adding the cream cheese layer. Chilling the base for 10-15 minutes before adding the cream cheese mixture can help create a stable foundation.

• Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works great and can enhance the flavor. Just ensure it’s cooled to room temperature before mixing into the cream cheese layer to prevent curdling.

• What type of sea salt works best for this recipe?

Flaky sea salt like Maldon works perfectly. It provides a nice crunch and helps balance the sweetness of the caramel. Use it sparingly to avoid over-salting the dessert.

Why Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Are

• Craft Decadent Dessert: Transform a simple cake mix into a luxurious treat that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.
• Minimize Kitchen Hassle: Requires minimal ingredients and basic mixing skills, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Combines the rich flavors of caramel, cream cheese, and sea salt for a sweet and salty sensation that will impress family and friends.
• Quick Celebration Option: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or impromptu dessert cravings with its simple preparation and irresistible taste.

Ingredients For Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides a quick and easy foundation for the cake bars.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crust.
• Egg: Binds the base ingredients together and provides structure.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy layer that adds creamy texture to the bars.
• Eggs: Help set the cream cheese mixture and provide richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic profile.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces a rich, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Sea Salt: Provides a contrasting salty note that enhances the sweet caramel flavor.

How To Prepare Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Switch on the oven and set the temperature to 350F (175C) so it’s nice and toasty.

Step 2: Create Cake Base

Combine cake mix, melted butter, and an egg in a mixing bowl. Use your hands or a spatula to press this mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for your delicious bars.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Filling

• Remaining eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Caramel sauce

Gradually mix in powdered sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy and well blended.

Step 4: Layer and Season

Pour the luscious cream cheese mixture over the cake base, creating a beautiful layer. Sprinkle sea salt across the top for that irresistible sweet-salty punch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for edges that are set while maintaining a gooey, soft center.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely. Slice into squares and add an extra caramel drizzle with a final sea salt sprinkle for maximum deliciousness.

Tips For Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Chill the cake bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour to help them set and make cutting easier.
• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smoother, lump-free mixture that blends perfectly.
• Select a high-quality caramel sauce for an extra rich and indulgent flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the regular cake mix with a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Variations For Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cake Bars: Replace standard cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dessert.
• Vegan Caramel Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Salted Caramel Bars: Use sugar-free caramel sauce, replace powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Chocolate Caramel Variation: Add cocoa powder to the base mixture and drizzle dark chocolate over the top for a rich, decadent alternative to the original recipe.

Serving Ideas For Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Decadent Dessert Platter: Create an elegant display by arranging the bars on a wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve alongside a rich cappuccino or hot cocoa, making it a luxurious weekend morning treat that elevates your breakfast experience.
• Party Presentation Magic: Cut into bite-sized pieces for gatherings, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, and place on decorative mini plates for easy sharing.
• Gourmet Gift Packaging: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper, tie with a ribbon, and present as a homemade gift that shows thoughtful culinary creativity.

How To Store Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to keep them from drying out.
• For freezing, place bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, where they'll stay good for 2-3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until warm and gooey, ensuring they don't become overcooked or tough.

Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich and indulgent salted caramel butter cake bars delight dessert enthusiasts with their irresistible layers of sweetness. Buttery, caramel-infused squares deliver a perfect balance of salty and sweet that you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 12 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs (1 for base, 2 for filling)

Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:

• 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) salted caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine cake mix, melted butter, and one egg in a mixing bowl, kneading until a cohesive dough forms.
3. Firmly press the mixture into the pan, creating an even, compact base layer that covers the entire bottom surface.
4. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until silky and light, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Incorporate remaining eggs, vanilla extract, and caramel sauce into the cream cheese mixture, blending until smooth and uniform.
6. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, mixing continuously to prevent clumping and achieve a creamy consistency.
7. Gently cascade the cream cheese mixture over the prepared cake base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Sprinkle sea salt across the surface, creating a delicate, balanced seasoning layer.
9. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center.
10. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the texture solidify.
11. Once cooled, slice into precise squares using a sharp knife.
12. Enhance the presentation with an additional caramel drizzle and a final pinch of sea salt before serving.

Notes

• Swap cake mix for gluten-free version to accommodate dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
• Use room temperature ingredients to create smoother, more evenly mixed cream cheese layer that blends perfectly without lumps.
• Chill bars completely before cutting for cleaner, more precise squares that showcase the beautiful gooey texture and caramel swirls.
• Experiment with different salted caramel brands or homemade sauce to personalize the flavor profile and elevate the richness of the dessert.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 400 kcal
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg