Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of ooey-gooey desserts that combine rich butter, sweet caramel, and a hint of salt, then these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are going to be your new favorite treat! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft butter cake layer topped with a gooey caramel layer, balanced with a sprinkle of sea salt. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. Read on to discover how you can make this indulgent dessert in your own kitchen.

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What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of butter, caramel, and a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. They consist of a buttery cake base with a gooey caramel layer on top, creating a unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These bars are easy to cut into individual servings, making them ideal for sharing or taking on the go.

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Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

For the Butter Cake Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

For the Gooey Caramel Topping:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)

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Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand, or looking to experiment with flavors? Here are some substitutions and variations:

• Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• Caramel Sauce: Try using dulce de leche for a thicker, richer topping.
• Sea Salt: Swap with flaky salt or pink Himalayan salt for a different flavor profile.
• Add-Ins: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon into the caramel topping for extra texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute to make these bars gluten-free.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start baking? Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the most delicious Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Butter Cake Base: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, stirring until well-mixed. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth. Then, sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and mix until just combined.
3. Press into the Pan: Spread the butter cake mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing it down to form an even layer. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface.
4. Prepare the Caramel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix the caramel sauce, melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Stir until well-combined and smooth.
5. Layer the Caramel Topping: Pour the caramel mixture over the butter cake layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Be gentle to avoid mixing the layers.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the center still looks slightly gooey.
7. Cool and Sprinkle with Salt: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool for about 15 minutes. Sprinkle a bit of sea salt on top while still warm for a perfect salted caramel flavor.
8. Chill Before Cutting: For the best texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before slicing.

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How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Ingredients and Preheat: Start by gathering all ingredients and preheating the oven to the right temperature. This will ensure even baking.
2. Mix the Butter Cake Layer: Remember not to overmix the butter cake batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the desired soft, buttery crumb.
3. Spread Evenly: Use a spatula to spread both the cake layer and caramel layer evenly, ensuring that each bite has a perfect ratio of buttery cake to gooey caramel.
4. Bake and Monitor: Keep a close eye on the baking time, as overbaking can make the bars less gooey. The bars are done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle.
5. Cooling and Chilling: This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Letting the bars cool and then chilling them will make cutting easier and improve the gooey consistency.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the bars tough rather than soft and gooey. Stir until ingredients are just combined.
2. Skipping the Chilling Step: Cutting the bars without chilling can result in a messy, sticky slice. Chilling helps them set properly.
3. Overbaking: The key to gooey bars is not overbaking. Remove them from the oven when the edges are golden, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
4. Using Unsalted Caramel Sauce: For the perfect flavor balance, use a salted caramel sauce or add sea salt to unsalted caramel.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Serve these bars at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are perfect on their own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. For a touch of elegance, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

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How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

1. Individual Portions: Cut into squares or rectangles for easy serving. These bars make perfect single-serving portions, which are great for gatherings.
2. With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
3. On a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a dessert platter with other treats for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.

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Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

1. Drizzle Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top of each bar.
2. Sprinkle Sea Salt: A few flakes of sea salt on each bar can add a professional look and enhance the salted caramel flavor.
3. Serve on Decorative Plates: Place each bar on a decorative dessert plate with a small fork for a more formal presentation.

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Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

1. Use Parchment Paper: Line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on each side. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.
2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use a darker caramel sauce or reduce the sugar in the butter cake base slightly.
3. Test the Center for Doneness: These bars should have a slightly underbaked center when you take them out of the oven to achieve that gooey texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time? A: Yes! These bars can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars? A: Absolutely. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use a boxed cake mix for the base? A: Yes, you can use a boxed yellow cake mix as a shortcut for the butter cake base. Just follow the box instructions for a dense cake layer.

Q: How do I store leftover bars? A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Q: Is it necessary to add sea salt on top? A: The sea salt balances the sweetness of the caramel and enhances the flavor, but it’s optional if you prefer a purely sweet dessert.

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Conclusion

There you have it—a simple, delicious, and absolutely indulgent recipe for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars. With a buttery base, gooey caramel layer, and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are the ultimate dessert for caramel lovers. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to treat yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress. Try this recipe today, and prepare to fall in love with each gooey, salted bite!

Now, grab your ingredients, follow these steps, and create a dessert that’s bound to become a household favorite. Happy baking!

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