Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars combine a buttery, soft shortbread base with a rich caramel filling, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The sprinkle of sea salt adds a savory finish, enhancing the caramel’s sweetness. Plus, they are easy to prepare and make a great addition to any dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Filling:

½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt (preferably sea salt)

For the Topping:

¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add butter and mix until dough forms. Press dough into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden. Set aside.
Make the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and condensed milk. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt.
Assemble: Pour caramel over cooled crust. Bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until caramel is bubbly and golden. Cool completely.
Finish: Sprinkle with sea salt once cooled. Slice into squares and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate drizzle on top for extra flavor.
Nuts: Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the caramel filling for a crunchy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular salt instead of sea salt?

Yes, though sea salt adds a finer texture and flavor contrast, you can use regular salt sparingly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Make sure not to overcook the caramel. Simmer for just 4-5 minutes until thickened.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful dessert that combines rich caramel and buttery shortbread with a perfect touch of salt. Simple to make, yet full of flavor, they’ll become a favorite at any gathering.