If you are craving something decadently sweet with that perfect balance of salty and rich, this Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is going to steal your heart. Imagine biting into a buttery crust that supports a luscious cream cheese filling, all topped with swirls of salted caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt–each bite melts in your mouth with gooey, dreamy delight. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to impressing friends at your next potluck.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and come together to create layers of incredible flavor and texture. Each component plays its part, from the rich butter laying the foundation to the creamy filling brightened by vanilla and a pinch of salt, culminating with the luscious salted caramel that brings it all home.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: The base for a tender, flaky crust that melts on your tongue.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the salty and rich elements.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and that delightful buttery crumb.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and supports that salted caramel’s punch.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings a velvety, tangy smoothness to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the filling for a luscious but stable texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the sweet layers.
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk: Gives the filling an irresistible gooey richness.
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star topping that delivers that unmistakable salty-sweet glow.
- Flaky sea salt, for topping: The final touch that intensifies flavor and adds delightful crunch.
How to Make Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure your bars come out with perfectly clean edges. This simple prep step makes all the difference when it’s time to slice your gooey masterpiece.
Step 2: Create the Crust
Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key for a tender crust. Then, mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a smooth dough forms. The salt is subtle but essential, gently highlighting the butter’s richness.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating the sturdy base for your bars. Bake for about 15 minutes until the edges are just turning golden, giving you a sturdy yet tender crust that will hold the luscious filling without becoming dry. Let it cool slightly before moving on.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s totally smooth and silky—that’s the secret to a luxurious filling. Then, add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk, mixing everything together until yo get a creamy, homogeneous blend. This filling is what makes these bars famously gooey and rich.
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl the Caramel
Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust. Next, carefully drizzle your salted caramel sauce on top in generous ribbons. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the filling, creating beautiful patterns that hint at the decadent flavor waiting beneath the surface.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfectly Gooey
Bake the assembled bars in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges and a slightly jiggly center—that’s the hallmark of true gooey butter bars. Keep an eye so you don’t overbake; you want the center to remain deliciously soft.
Step 7: Add Sea Salt and Chill
While the bars are still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to add those bursts of salty crunch. Then, cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least two hours. Chilling helps the bars set perfectly and makes slicing neat squares a breeze.
How to Serve Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar pairs wonderfully with the flaky sea salt on top, enhancing the look and flavor without overpowering. For an elegant touch, add toasted pecans or a few chocolate shavings. This little extra effort takes these bars from amazing to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a dessert alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess compliments the rich, gooey texture perfectly. Pairing them with a cup of rich coffee or spiced chai also elevates the eating experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board or a sleek dessert platter, decorating the edges with additional caramel drizzles or a sprinkle of edible gold dust for a touch of glam. For gatherings, consider wrapping bars individually in parchment and tying with a ribbon for a charming takeaway treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your salted caramel gooey butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to five days, maintaining their creamy texture and rich flavor. Just be sure to keep them chilled so they stay perfectly gooey.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the bars overnight in the fridge to preserve that delightful gooey consistency.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars slightly warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the filling just enough to mimic that freshly baked gooey texture, allowing the salted caramel to feel freshly drizzled.
FAQs
Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade salted caramel adds a wonderful personal touch—just melt sugar slowly, then stir in butter, cream, and a pinch of sea salt for that classic flavor. It’s well worth the extra step for an extra indulgent bar.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
Cream cheese is key for the luscious filling, but if you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with mascarpone or ricotta whipped smooth. The texture might be slightly different, but your bars will still be deliciously rich.
How can I prevent the bars from becoming too runny?
The key is baking until the edges are firm while the center still jiggles slightly. Underbaking can lead to runny bars, so watch closely during that 25 to 30-minute window and trust the jiggle test for perfect results.
Are these bars suitable for gifting?
Definitely! Their beautiful layered look and irresistible flavor make them a thoughtful homemade gift. Just slice, wrap individually in parchment, and tie with a pretty ribbon for a gift straight from the heart.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
You can, but be sure to reduce the added salt called for in the crust since salted butter already contains salt. This keeps the flavors balanced and avoids making the bars too salty.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. It’s one of those special desserts that feels both indulgent and homemade, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself on a quiet evening. Give it a try, and I promise this recipe will become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these irresistibly rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars, perfect for caramel lovers craving a luscious, buttery treat. Featuring a buttery crust base topped with a creamy cream cheese filling swirled with salted caramel sauce and finished with flaky sea salt, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and salty in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling and Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until a dough forms.
- Bake the Crust: Press the prepared dough evenly into the bottom of the lined baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the filling and use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the filling to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly, indicating gooey perfection.
- Finish and Chill: Immediately after baking, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the warm bars. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into 16 bars to serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese to ensure smooth mixing.
- For an extra decorative finish, add more caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of sea salt just before serving.
- These bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can make salted caramel sauce at home by melting sugar with butter and cream, or use a high-quality store-bought version.
- If you prefer a sweeter or less salty bar, adjust the amount of flaky sea salt accordingly.
