Description
Salted Caramel Bars combine the rich, buttery flavor of homemade caramel with a perfect balance of salt to create an indulgent, irresistible treat. These bars have a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a luscious, gooey caramel layer, and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. Each bite is a perfect blend of sweet and salty, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet indulgence, these salted caramel bars are bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
Ingredient Highlights
- Unsalted Butter: Butter is key in both the crust and caramel, providing a rich, smooth texture and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, molasses-like flavor to the caramel, making it richer than regular white sugar.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel bars enhances the sweet flavor and provides a savory contrast that makes each bite addictive.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream in the caramel ensures a smooth, rich texture and a luscious mouthfeel.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars.
- Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, and mix until just combined, forming a dough.
- Press the Crust Into the Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, making sure the edges are smooth.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the caramel.
Prepare the Caramel:
- Cook the Caramel: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the Cream and Vanilla: Carefully pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly (it may bubble up). Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.
- Pour the Caramel Over the Crust: Immediately pour the warm caramel over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Finish and Serve:
- Cool the Bars: Let the caramel bars cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the caramel to firm up.
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Once the bars are chilled and set, sprinkle the top with a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor and a beautiful finish.
- Cut and Serve: Cut into 16 squares and serve. Enjoy the perfect balance of buttery crust, gooey caramel, and a salty kick!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes for crust, 10-15 minutes for caramel
Nutrition
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 2g