Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you're looking for a dessert that combines rich, buttery flavors with the perfect balance of salty and sweet, then you're in for a treat! This Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves decadent, melt-in-your-mouth desserts. Whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these bars will not disappoint. Read on to discover how to make these irresistible bars and impress your family and friends!

What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a delicious combination of buttery cake, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt to elevate the sweetness. The base is a soft, buttery cake, while the center is loaded with gooey salted caramel that seeps into every bite. These bars offer a perfect harmony between textures—soft, chewy, and a bit crunchy around the edges. With every bite, you’ll experience the rich, buttery goodness of the cake paired with the irresistible sweetness of caramel and a subtle hint of salt that makes everything pop.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Here are the ingredients you'll need to create the ultimate gooey salted caramel butter cake bars:

For the Crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes (for sprinkling on top)

Substitutions and Variations

Cooking is all about creativity and flexibility, so feel free to tailor this recipe to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix instead of the traditional yellow cake mix. Most stores carry a variety of gluten-free options that will work just as well.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use dairy-free butter in place of regular butter. Look for a high-quality dairy-free cream cheese for the best results.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle some melted chocolate over the top of the bars for an extra layer of flavor.
• Nutty Addition: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and depth of flavor. Caramel and nuts are a match made in heaven!
• Caramel Substitution: If you don’t have caramel sauce, you can use dulce de leche, which offers a similar creamy, caramel-like texture and flavor.

Now that you have all the ingredients and some ideas for substitutions, let's dive into the step-by-step cooking instructions.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a thick dough forms. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This will be the crust of your gooey salted caramel butter cake bars. Set the pan aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well-combined. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The filling should be smooth and slightly thick.

Step 4: Add the Caramel

Pour half of the filling mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Then, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the filling. You can use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the filling for a marbled effect. Pour the remaining filling over the caramel layer, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The bars should be golden brown on top, but still slightly gooey in the center. You’ll want to pull them out when they look set around the edges but have a slight jiggle in the middle. This ensures a perfectly gooey center.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the bars are out of the oven, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top while they are still warm. The salt enhances the caramel flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Once cool, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your serving preference. For cleaner cuts, you can chill the bars in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake these bars. The goal is to keep the center gooey, so once the edges are set and golden, remove them from the oven. Overbaking will result in a dry texture, which defeats the purpose of these deliciously gooey bars.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: If you skip lining your pan with parchment paper, it might be harder to remove the bars from the pan. Parchment also helps ensure even baking and easy slicing.
• Not Cooling Completely: Patience is key when it comes to slicing these bars. Cutting them too soon can cause them to fall apart since the caramel center is still soft. Let them cool completely for the best texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to impressing your guests. Here are some tips on how to serve and present your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, where their gooey texture is at its peak. Let them sit out for about 30 minutes if they’ve been refrigerated.
• Chilled: If you prefer a firmer texture, you can serve the bars chilled. The caramel will solidify slightly, but the bars will still be deliciously chewy and flavorful.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Drizzle More Caramel: For a stunning visual effect, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top of each bar before serving. It adds extra sweetness and gives the bars a glossy, professional finish.
• Sprinkle Sea Salt: Just before serving, add a final sprinkle of sea salt flakes. It enhances the appearance and provides that extra pop of salty flavor.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Pair these gooey bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm caramel bars and cold, creamy ice cream creates an irresistible dessert experience.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant look, dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar right before serving.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for optimal gooeyness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Caramel Swirls: For a more pronounced caramel swirl, use a toothpick or knife to drag the caramel through the filling after adding it. Be gentle to avoid disturbing the layers too much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade caramel sauce, go for it. Just make sure it’s slightly thickened to avoid the bars becoming too runny.

2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, but reduce the amount of sea salt you sprinkle on top to avoid overpowering the dessert with saltiness.

3. Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to either the crust or the filling for an extra touch of indulgence.

4. How long do these bars last?

Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last up to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

5. Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the cake mix for a gluten-free alternative, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of these bars.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for caramel lovers. With their buttery base, gooey caramel filling, and a touch of salt, they are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them as a personal treat, you won’t be able to stop at just one! Follow the steps, avoid the common mistakes, and feel free to get creative with your own variations. Happy baking!

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