Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups salted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
Filling:
- 14 ounces caramel candies, unwrapped (about 50 pieces)
- ⅓ cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Flake sea salt
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare Crust:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla and then mix in the flour until a soft dough forms.
- Press and Bake:
- Press 1/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Chill the remaining dough. Bake the pressed dough for 20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Caramel Filling:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel candies with milk or heavy cream. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla.
- Layer and Bake Again:
- Pour the caramel over the crust and sprinkle with salt. Crumble the chilled dough evenly over the caramel. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Cut:
- Let it cool completely before cutting into 24 squares.
Tips:
Perfect Caramel Consistency: Microwave the caramels in short intervals, stirring between each, to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Enhance Flavor with Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flake sea salt on top enhances the flavor profile, balancing the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
Chill Dough for Easy Crumbling: Chilling the remaining dough makes it easier to crumble evenly over the caramel layer.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the heavenly allure of Salted Caramel Butter Bars – a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave your taste buds singing. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion. Bake, savor, and share the joy of these delectable bars with your loved ones. Let the sweet journey begin!