Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars are a decadent treat combining rich caramel with a soft, buttery base. With a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, these bars are sure to satisfy any dessert craving.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the salted caramel by combining water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then allow the mixture to boil until it turns an amber color. Carefully add the butter and heavy cream, stirring until the caramel is smooth. Stir in the salt and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 3 tablespoons sugar. Cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this crust evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add the corn syrup and egg, mixing well to combine. Gradually mix in 1 cup flour and the evaporated milk until the batter is smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter evenly over the prepared crust. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce on top. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. Drizzle the remaining caramel over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for the best texture in your batter and caramel.
• For extra saltiness, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle before serving.
• Swap evaporated milk with whole milk or cream for a richer flavor.
• Let the bars chill in the refrigerator for firmer slices if preferred.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They can be reheated briefly in the microwave to restore gooeyness, but enjoy them slightly cooled to best appreciate the flavors.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salted caramel up to a week in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and gently warm it before using to make it pourable again.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

If you don’t have evaporated milk, whole milk or heavy cream can be substituted in equal amounts, though the bars may be slightly less creamy.

Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 133 reviews

These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars combine a buttery crumb crust with a rich, sweet, and salty caramel topping and a soft, gooey filling. Perfect for dessert lovers who crave a luscious treat with a balance of sweet and savory flavors.

• Author: Viktoria
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salted Caramel:

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces

Filling:

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Make the Salted Caramel: Combine water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow the mixture to boil and turn an amber color. Then add the butter and room temperature heavy cream while stirring continuously until the caramel is smooth. Stir in the salt and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar for the crust. Cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base.
3. Mix the Filling: In another bowl, beat the room temperature butter with sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light. Add the corn syrup and egg, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the flour and evaporated milk to form a smooth batter.
4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling batter evenly over the pressed crust in the pan. Drizzle half of the prepared salted caramel on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
5. Cool and Finish: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the top. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

• Ensure the heavy cream is room temperature before adding to the hot caramel to prevent splattering.
• Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for the perfect gooey texture.
• Use unsalted butter throughout to control the salt level better and balance with the salted caramel.
• Cool the bars fully before slicing to maintain their shape.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Salted Caramel, Gooey Butter Bars, Dessert Bars, Sweet Treat, Caramel Bars, American Dessert