Are you ready to elevate your dessert game to new heights? Look no further than these irresistible Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. With a buttery crust, creamy filling, and a tantalizing caramel drizzle, these bars are a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how simple yet decadent these bars are. The combination of a soft, gooey center with a slightly crisp crust creates an amazing texture. The salted caramel drizzle elevates the sweetness, adding a gourmet touch. These bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just an everyday treat when I’m craving something rich and satisfying.
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure easy removal later on.
Mix the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter to the cream cheese. Beat until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved.
Layer and Bake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the caramel for that perfect sweet-salty balance. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares. This step ensures that the bars set properly and maintain their gooey texture. Once cooled, cut into squares and indulge in the decadent goodness.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Different Cake Mixes: I sometimes switch up the base by using a chocolate or spice cake mix for a different flavor profile.
Homemade Caramel Sauce: If I have extra time, I make my own caramel sauce for a richer taste.
Nutty Crunch: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled over the caramel add a delightful crunch.
Extra Chocolate: A drizzle of melted chocolate over the top makes these bars even more indulgent.
Serving Tips:
Garnish with Extra Caramel: Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the bars for an extra touch of indulgence. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful presentation.
Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Serve each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The lightness of the cream complements the richness of the bars, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Pair with a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these decadent bars with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or cocoa for a cozy and comforting treat. The warmth of the beverage enhances the gooey texture of the bars, making each bite even more satisfying.
Create a Dessert Platter: Arrange the bars on a serving platter alongside other desserts, such as cookies, brownies, or fruit, for a visually stunning dessert spread. This allows guests to sample a variety of sweet treats and creates a festive atmosphere.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
Freezing: These bars also freeze well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Room Temperature: If you prefer to enjoy the bars at room temperature, simply let them sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to soften slightly and enhances the gooey texture.
Microwave Reheating: To reheat individual bars, microwave them on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the caramel to become too runny.
Related Recipes:
- Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
- Salted Caramel Cupcakes
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix to create a unique twist on the traditional Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. For example, a chocolate or spice cake mix can add a delicious variation. Just be aware that using a different cake mix will slightly alter the flavor profile of the bars.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
If you don’t have caramel sauce on hand, you can make a simple homemade caramel by melting sugar until it turns golden brown and then adding butter and cream. Alternatively, you can use butterscotch or dulce de leche as a substitute for the caramel sauce.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are great for making ahead. You can prepare and bake them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This can be particularly convenient if you’re planning for a party or special event. Just make sure to let them cool completely before covering and refrigerating.
Can I reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe?
The powdered sugar in the recipe helps achieve the characteristic gooey texture of these bars. While you can reduce the amount slightly, be cautious as it may affect the final consistency. If you’re looking to cut down on sweetness, consider using a sugar substitute that is suitable for baking.
Conclusion:
With their rich, buttery flavor and luscious caramel swirls, these Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Whether served as a sweet treat for a special occasion or enjoyed as an everyday indulgence, these bars are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of heaven today!
📖 Recipe:
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Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars, a perfect blend of buttery crust, creamy filling, and rich caramel drizzle. Ideal for parties, special occasions, or a sweet treat anytime, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter to the cream cheese. Beat until combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt evenly over the caramel.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
Notes
For extra flavor, try using different types of cake mix like chocolate or spice.
Homemade caramel sauce can be used if store-bought is unavailable.
These bars can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Ensure bars are completely cool before cutting to maintain their structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 bars
- Calories: 320 kcal
