Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared pan. Reserve remaining third for topping.
- Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in brown sugar. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Whisk in heavy cream, vanilla, and sea salt until smooth.
- Pour caramel over baked crust. Crumble remaining dough over top in small pieces.
- Bake again for 22–25 minutes, until topping is golden and caramel is bubbling.
- Cool completely in the pan. Use parchment to lift out and slice into squares.
Notes
Sprinkle extra sea salt on top before the final bake for that perfect salty finish. You can chill the bars in the fridge to set them faster.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: salted caramel, butter bars, dessert, easy bars, sweet and salty