Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Do you crave the perfect combination of sweet and salty flavors? Look no further! These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings together rich, buttery cake and luscious salted caramel in every bite. Whether you're baking for a family gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is a surefire hit that will have everyone asking for seconds. Read on to discover all the steps and secrets to making these decadent bars, as well as tips for serving, variations, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in and get baking!

What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate treat for caramel lovers. Imagine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cake layered with gooey salted caramel. The cake has a tender, chewy texture, while the salted caramel adds a rich depth of flavor with just the right balance of sweetness and saltiness. These bars are not overly complicated to make, but the result is nothing short of indulgent. They are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to elegant desserts at dinner parties.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

To make these delicious cake bars, you’ll need a combination of pantry staples and a few special ingredients for that decadent salted caramel layer. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Butter Cake Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Gooey Salted Caramel Layer:

• 1 ½ cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Topping:

• Flaky sea salt for garnish
• Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is already a showstopper, you can make a few tweaks and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to use a 1:1 substitution formula for baking.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream.
• Different Caramel Options: You can use a homemade caramel sauce or opt for a store-bought variety. For a richer taste, consider using dulce de leche as a substitution.
• Nut Add-ins: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a sweeter, richer finish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple instructions to bake your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Butter Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, whisking until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 3: Spread the Batter

Spread about ¾ of the butter cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, reserving the remaining batter for later.

Step 4: Prepare the Salted Caramel Layer

In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the caramel sauce and stir in the heavy cream. Once heated through, remove from the heat and stir in the sea salt until well-combined.

Step 5: Add the Caramel

Pour the salted caramel mixture evenly over the butter cake layer in the pan. Gently spoon the remaining cake batter over the caramel layer. It’s okay if some caramel peeks through – this will add to the gooey texture.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs (not raw batter). If you like a firmer texture, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. For cleaner cuts, you can refrigerate the bars for an hour to firm them up.

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

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare your baking pan with parchment paper and grease.
3. Mix the butter cake base by whisking melted butter and sugar, then adding eggs and vanilla.
4. Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and incorporate into the wet mixture.
5. Spread ¾ of the batter into the pan.
6. Prepare the caramel layer by warming caramel sauce and stirring in cream and salt.
7. Pour the caramel over the base, then top with remaining cake batter.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
9. Cool completely before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: These bars should be gooey, so avoid baking them until fully firm. They will continue to set as they cool.
• Skipping the Salt: The balance between sweet and salty is key to the flavor of this dessert. Don’t forget to add salt to the caramel layer and consider garnishing with flaky sea salt for an extra touch.
• Cutting While Hot: It can be tempting to dive in while the bars are still warm, but allow them to cool fully for cleaner cuts and a more cohesive texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are rich and indulgent, so serve them in small squares or rectangles. They are perfect on their own, but you can elevate them by adding a few finishing touches.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Serve these bars slightly chilled for a firm texture, or at room temperature for a softer, gooier consistency.
• Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of indulgence.
• For a decadent experience, drizzle them with extra caramel sauce or melted chocolate just before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Individual Dessert Plates: Serve each bar on a small plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
• Dessert Tray: Arrange the bars on a large serving platter with a garnish of chopped nuts or chocolate shavings for a party or gathering.
• Gift Boxes: These bars make wonderful edible gifts. Package them in decorative boxes or tins lined with parchment paper for a homemade treat anyone would love to receive.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps the caramel layer set properly and prevents the bars from falling apart.
• Make-Ahead: You can make these bars up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.
• Caramel Consistency: If your caramel sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of extra cream before using it in the recipe. This will ensure the caramel layer stays gooey and smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly fine. Just be sure to pick a high-quality one for the best flavor.

Q: Can I freeze these cake bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I make this recipe without salt?
A: You can, but the balance of sweet and salty is what makes these bars special. If you're not a fan of sea salt, you can reduce the amount, but it’s recommended to keep at least a little for contrast.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! If you need a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and bake in two 9x13-inch pans.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a must-try for anyone who loves the irresistible combination of buttery cake and rich, salted caramel. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re perfect for any occasion. Follow the recipe closely, and don’t be afraid to customize it with your own favorite ingredients or presentation ideas. With these tips, you’ll be serving up a delicious dessert that no one can resist. Happy baking!

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