Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a rich, buttery, and sweet treat that combines the best of shortbread and caramel with a touch of sea salt. These bars are perfect for special occasions, as gifts, or as a luxurious dessert to enjoy any time. The combination of a buttery shortbread base, gooey caramel filling, and a sprinkling of sea salt creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality and sweet-salty contrast make them a favorite among dessert lovers.

Overview of the Keyword

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a beloved dessert that offers a perfect blend of sweet and salty flavors. The bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich caramel layer, finished with a hint of sea salt. This dessert is versatile and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for various occasions such as family gatherings, holiday parties, and bake sales. The popularity of salted caramel in modern baking stems from its unique ability to enhance the sweetness with a touch of salt, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile.

Brief History and Cultural Significance

Caramel has been a cherished ingredient in desserts for centuries, with its origins tracing back to the early days of candy making. It is made by heating sugar until it liquefies and turns a rich amber color, resulting in a deep, sweet flavor. The introduction of salted caramel, credited to French pastry chef Pierre Hermé in the late 20th century, brought a new dimension to traditional caramel by adding a pinch of sea salt, which enhances the sweetness and adds complexity to the flavor.

Butter bars, with their simple yet decadent shortbread base, have been a staple in baking for many years. Combining the rich, buttery flavor of shortbread with the luxurious taste of salted caramel has resulted in a dessert that is both indulgent and sophisticated. Salted Caramel Butter Bars have gained popularity in recent years, becoming a go-to recipe for home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Preparing Salted Caramel Butter Bars is straightforward, but having the right tools and following the steps carefully will ensure the best results. Here is what you will need:

Prep Time, Cook Time, Cool Time, Total Time, Servings, Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Cool Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 bars
• Yield: 1 9×13 inch pan

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing Bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Pan: For baking the bars.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking pan for easy removal.
• Saucepan: To make the caramel filling.
• Spatula: For spreading the dough and caramel.

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls and Electric Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar, ensuring a smooth and even mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Provide accurate measurements for consistent results.
• Baking Pan and Parchment Paper: The pan shape and parchment paper ensure the bars bake evenly and can be easily removed from the pan.
• Saucepan: Necessary for melting caramel candies and creating a smooth caramel filling.
• Spatula: Helps in evenly spreading the dough and caramel layers.

Preparation Tips

To ensure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars turn out perfectly, follow these preparation tips:

• Use Softened Butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to mix evenly with the sugar, creating a smooth shortbread base.
• Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes it easier to remove the bars from the pan after baking and ensures clean edges.
• Cook the Caramel Slowly: Melt the caramel candies with cream over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean slices and prevent the caramel from oozing out.

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (14 oz) bag caramel candies, unwrapped
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
   • Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
   • Gradually add the flour and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
3. Bake the Crust:
   • Press half of the shortbread dough evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
4. Make the Caramel Filling:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully melted.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble the Bars:
   • Pour the caramel filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust.
   • Crumble the remaining shortbread dough over the top of the caramel layer.
6. Bake Again:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown.
7. Add Sea Salt and Cool:
   • Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top.
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Cut and Serve:
   • Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 12-16 bars and serve.

By following these steps and tips, you’ll create delicious and indulgent Salted Caramel Butter Bars that are perfect for any occasion.

Side Dish Recommendations

Pairing Salted Caramel Butter Bars with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded and satisfying dessert experience. Here are eight delicious side dish options that work perfectly with these bars:

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing for salted caramel butter bars. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the rich, buttery bars, creating a delightful dessert combination.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad with a mix of berries, kiwi, and citrus can add a refreshing and tangy contrast to the sweet and salty flavors of the bars. The natural acidity of the fruit helps balance the richness of the caramel and butter.

Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a creamy element without overpowering the bars. A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of a salted caramel butter bar enhances the indulgent experience.

Chocolate Sauce

Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over the bars can add a rich and decadent twist. The combination of chocolate and caramel is a match made in heaven, making this pairing a favorite among chocolate lovers.

Coffee or Espresso

A hot cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs perfectly with the sweet and buttery flavors of the bars. The bitterness of the coffee helps balance the sweetness, making it a delightful end to any meal.

Hot Cocoa

For a cozy and comforting combination, pair the bars with a mug of hot cocoa. The creamy, chocolatey drink complements the rich flavors of the caramel and butter, creating a warm and satisfying treat.

Chai Tea

Chai tea, with its blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, offers a warming and aromatic complement to the bars. The spicy notes of the tea enhance the buttery, caramel flavors of the dessert.

Mint Tea

Mint tea provides a refreshing and light pairing that contrasts nicely with the richness of the bars. The cool, herbal notes of the mint cleanse the palate, making each bite of the salted caramel butter bar even more enjoyable.

Nutritional Information & Health Benefits

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert, so it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional profile and health benefits of the bars:

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, based on 16 servings)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 3 grams
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1 gram
• Sugars: 30 grams
• Fat: 18 grams
• Saturated Fat: 11 grams
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 50 mg
• Vitamin A: 10% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Calcium: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 4% of the DV

Health Benefits

• Rich in Calcium: The butter and cream provide calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Source of Protein: The bars contain a small amount of protein from the butter and cream.
• Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates: The sugars and carbs provide a quick source of energy, making these bars a great occasional treat for a quick energy boost.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

Creating the perfect Salted Caramel Butter Bars requires attention to detail and avoiding common pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

Common Mistakes

• Overbaking the Shortbread: Overbaking can make the shortbread base too hard and dry. Bake just until the edges are lightly golden.
• Undermixing the Dough: Not mixing the shortbread dough thoroughly can result in an uneven texture. Ensure the butter and sugar are well-creamed before adding the flour.
• Burning the Caramel: Caramel can burn easily if not watched closely. Melt the caramel candies over low heat and stir constantly until smooth.
• Cutting the Bars Too Soon: Cutting the bars before they are completely cooled can cause the caramel to ooze out. Allow the bars to cool completely for clean slices.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

• Use High-Quality Butter: High-quality butter enhances the flavor of the shortbread base.
• Evenly Spread the Dough: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the baking pan to ensure uniform thickness and even baking.
• Cool the Caramel Slightly: Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the baked shortbread to ensure it spreads evenly without melting the base.
• Sprinkle Sea Salt While Warm: Sprinkle the sea salt over the bars while they are still warm to ensure it sticks and enhances the flavor.

Tips, Notes, Storing, and Reheating

To ensure your Salted Caramel Butter Bars remain delicious and fresh, follow these tips for preparation, storing, and serving:

Tips

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter mixes more easily with the sugar, resulting in a smooth dough.
• Evenly Distribute the Dough: Press the shortbread dough evenly into the baking pan to ensure uniform thickness and even baking.
• Watch the Caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so melt it over low heat and stir constantly until smooth.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and to prevent the caramel from oozing out.

Notes

• Variations: Experiment with different types of caramel, add a layer of chocolate ganache, or mix in chopped nuts for added texture.
• Healthy Alternatives: Use whole wheat flour for the shortbread base or substitute some of the butter with coconut oil for a slightly healthier version.

Storing

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in an airtight container for up to a week. Let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their softness.
• Freezing: Freeze the bars in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

• Microwave: If you prefer the bars warm, heat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as the caramel can become too soft.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the bars for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?

• Yes, you can use homemade caramel. Make sure it is thick enough to set properly when cooled. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading over the shortbread base.

How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard?

• Ensure the caramel is not overcooked. Melt the caramel candies with cream over low heat and remove from heat as soon as they are fully melted and smooth. The addition of cream helps keep the caramel soft.

Can these bars be made gluten-free?

• Yes, you can make these bars gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.

What’s the best way to cut the bars neatly?

• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts to ensure neat, clean edges.

How long do these bars last at room temperature?

• These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a decadent and irresistible treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery shortbread and gooey caramel with a touch of sea salt. These bars are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties or as a luxurious dessert to enjoy any time. Their sweet and salty contrast, combined with their melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes them a favorite among dessert lovers.

Encourage your readers to try this recipe, experiment with different variations, and enjoy this indulgent dessert. With the detailed instructions, tips, and storage methods provided, making Salted Caramel Butter Bars at home is simple and rewarding.

Print