Salted Caramel Bars

Looking for an irresistible dessert? Try these Salted Caramel Bars! With a buttery crust, rich caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Easy to make and perfect for parties, potlucks, or a special treat at home. Ideal for those who love caramel desserts, bar recipes, and easy baking. These bars are a delicious addition to any dessert table. Make them today and enjoy a crowd-pleasing, mouth-watering treat!

Ingredients

Crust/Topping:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 pound (4 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Filling:

• 50-60 caramel candies, wrappers removed (14 oz. bag)
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tablespoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, powdered sugar, and sugar for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light in color. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually beat in the flour until just incorporated and a smooth dough forms.
3. Bake the Crust: Take one-third of the dough and press it gently into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling: Place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir vigorously until smooth. If needed, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Bars: Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled crust and sprinkle with sea salt. Take the chilled dough from the fridge and crumble it evenly over the caramel layer.
6. Bake Again: Bake for 26-28 minutes until the top crumble is light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish.
7. Cut and Serve: Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your Salted Caramel Bars!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet caramel and a touch of sea salt creates a delightful contrast that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these bars are sure to be a hit.

Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Bars

• Use Quality Caramels: Opt for high-quality caramel candies to ensure a smooth and rich filling.
• Cool Completely: Make sure to let the bars cool fully before cutting to avoid a sticky mess.
• Customize Your Crust: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for an extra layer of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Salted Caramel Bars are a delectable treat that combines the rich flavors of caramel with the perfect amount of saltiness. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a good sweet and salty dessert. Bake a batch today and enjoy the delightful taste of these Salted Caramel Bars!