Description
Indulge in these Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars, featuring a buttery crumbly crust topped with a rich, sweet, and gooey filling, accented perfectly by homemade salted caramel drizzled on and inside. These bars are a delightful dessert combining textures and flavors that caramel lovers will adore.
Ingredients
Scale
Salted Caramel
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
Filling
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Make the Salted Caramel: Combine the water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture come to a boil and cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color. Remove from heat and carefully add the butter and room temperature heavy cream while stirring until everything is smooth and well incorporated. Stir in the salt and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base.
- Mix the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature butter with sugar until light and fluffy. Add the light corn syrup and egg, mixing thoroughly to combine. Gradually add the flour and evaporated milk, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling batter evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Drizzle half of the cooled salted caramel over the top in a swirl pattern. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Finish the Bars: Once cooled, drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the top of the bars. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Be cautious when making the caramel as the sugar syrup will be extremely hot.
- The bars should be cooled completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a stronger salted caramel flavor, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on top after drizzling the last caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Salted caramel bars, gooey butter bars, homemade caramel, dessert bars, caramel dessert
