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Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Salted Caramel Butter Bars
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Enjoy the rich, gooey delight of Salted Caramel Butter Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with luscious salted caramel. This perfect balance of sweet and salty makes a satisfying dessert ideal for any occasion, easy to customize, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Caramel Layer

  • 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Touch

  • Sea salt flakes, for sprinkling on top

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. Cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to create a firm yet tender crust.
  2. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until it turns a soft golden color, indicating it’s set and ready to hold the caramel layer.
  3. Make the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy caramel, about 8-10 minutes.
  4. Pour and Bake the Caramel: Pour the caramel evenly over the warm shortbread crust, spreading it out smoothly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes until the caramel bubbles and absorbs slightly into the crust.
  5. Add the Finishing Touch: Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle sea salt flakes evenly over the top. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to let the caramel set properly before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture.
  • Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent caramel oozing.
  • Use a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts, for neat slices.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and crisp edges.
  • Stir the caramel constantly during cooking to avoid scorching and achieve a smooth texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salted caramel, butter bars, shortbread, caramel dessert, sweet and salty, dessert bars

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/salted-caramel-butter-bars/