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- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup caramel sauce (your choice, store-bought or homemade) - 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt (for finishing) - Add nuts for crunch. Chopped walnuts or pecans work well. - Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer taste. - Use sea salt caramel sauce for extra flavor. - Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free treat. - Swap eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal for a vegan alternative. This selection of ingredients makes your soft salted caramel bars both rich and delightful. You can mix and match according to your taste or dietary needs to create a treat that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms, grab a 9x13-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps lift the bars out later. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter. Then, add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat these together. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should look light and fluffy. Next, add 2 large eggs to the bowl. Put in one egg at a time, mixing well after each. Then, pour in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients blend well together. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure these dry ingredients are mixed evenly. Slowly add this mix to the wet ingredients. Use low speed to combine them. Stop mixing once you don’t see any dry flour. Set aside 1 cup of the batter for later. Spread the rest evenly in your baking pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Now, pour 1 cup of caramel sauce over the batter. Spread it gently. Take the reserved batter and dollop spoonfuls over the caramel. Let some caramel peek through. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the top turns a light golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once out of the oven, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of flaky sea salt on top. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After cooling, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out. Cut into squares to serve. Start with room temperature butter. This makes it easy to blend. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat the butter and sugars for about 2-3 minutes. The mix should be light and fluffy. This step traps air, making your bars soft. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the bars tough. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. Using low speed helps keep the batter light. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the batter. Use a spoon to dollop the reserved batter on top. This allows some caramel to peek through. This creates a lovely swirl and ensures every bite has caramel. Sprinkle flaky sea salt right after baking. This enhances the flavor of the caramel. Use just enough to make it pop without being too salty. The contrast of sweet and salty makes these bars truly delicious. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter. Check for Doneness Carefully: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Experiment with Caramel: Feel free to use flavored caramel sauces like sea salt or butterscotch to add a unique twist to your bars. Store Properly: Keep your salted caramel bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain their softness. {{image_4}} You can add a rich chocolate flavor to the bars. Start by melting 1 cup of chocolate chips. Once the caramel layer is set, swirl in the melted chocolate. Use a knife to create pretty patterns. This adds a sweet twist to the dessert. Chocolate and caramel are a classic pair! For a crunchy texture, mix in nuts. You can use chopped pecans or walnuts. Add about 1 cup of nuts into the batter before baking. This gives a nice contrast to the soft caramel. You can even sprinkle some on top before baking. Nuts add flavor and make these bars feel extra special. To enhance the taste, try infusing flavors. Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter for a coffee kick. You can also use flavored salts like smoked sea salt. Just sprinkle it over the top before baking. These small tweaks make your bars unique. Experiment with spices or zests for more fun! To keep your soft salted caramel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the bars. This prevents them from sticking together. Place the container in a cool, dry place. They stay fresh for about a week. If you want to save some bars for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy warm bars, reheat them gently. Place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it without making it dry. You can also warm them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the bars on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes. Enjoy the gooey goodness! To make homemade caramel sauce, you need just a few ingredients. You will need: - 1 cup granulated sugar - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream - A pinch of salt Start by heating the sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring until it melts and turns golden brown. Then, add the butter and mix until melted. Finally, pour in the cream slowly and stir. Let it cool before using it in your bars. Yes, you can! Brown sugar gives a rich flavor. Granulated sugar works too. You could also mix both for a unique taste. Using coconut sugar can add a hint of caramel flavor, but it may change the texture slightly. If you need a butter substitute, use coconut oil or margarine. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan butter. Applesauce can also work, but it might change the taste and texture. Keep in mind that these swaps can alter the final result. To check if the bars are cool, touch the top lightly. If it feels warm, give it more time. The bars should feel room temperature. You can also insert a toothpick; it should come out clean. Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients. Use a larger baking pan, like a 12x18 inch. Check the baking time, as it may take longer. You want a light golden brown top and a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs. In this article, we explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for making delicious caramel bars. You learned how to layer batter, prepare for baking, and store your treats. Remember, you can always mix things up with flavors or substitutes. Baking should be fun, and these bars are a perfect way to experiment. Enjoy your tasty creation, and don’t hesitate to share it with friends and family!

Soft Salted Caramel Bars

Deliciously soft and chewy caramel bars topped with flaky sea salt.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 2 flaky sea salt (for finishing)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there is an overhang for easy lifting later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-combined.
  • Add the eggs to the sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is nicely incorporated.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined; do not overmix.
  • Set aside 1 cup of the prepared batter for later. Spread the remaining batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  • Generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the batter, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Then, using a spoon, dollop the reserved 1 cup of batter over the caramel layer in small spoonfuls, allowing some of the caramel to show through.
  • Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The bars are done when the top is a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
  • As soon as you take the bars out of the oven, sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top, enhancing the flavor with a wonderful salty contrast.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Present the bars in a charming rustic wooden tray or plate. For an added touch of indulgence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top just before serving. Enjoy your delightful treat!
Keyword bars, caramel, dessert, sweet