Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars are rich, buttery, and topped with luscious homemade salted caramel. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a gooey center and a crisp crust, they make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
• 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

1. Step 1: Prepare the salted caramel by combining water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it boil without stirring until it turns amber. Remove from heat and carefully add the butter and room-temperature heavy cream while stirring until the caramel is smooth. Stir in the salt and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the flour and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, beat the room temperature butter with 3/4 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the light corn syrup and egg, mixing until combined. Gradually add 1 cup flour and evaporated milk, mixing until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the batter over the prepared crust. Drizzle half of the salted caramel evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
5. Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the cooled bars before serving for an extra gooey finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, even batter.
• For a nuttier flavor, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the caramel by 1/4 cup.
• Make sure to let the caramel cook to a deep amber but not burnt to get the perfect salty sweetness.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave to regain gooeyness, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel a day in advance. Store it in a sealed jar at room temperature and warm it slightly before using if it thickens.

What can I use instead of evaporated milk?

You can substitute evaporated milk with an equal amount of whole milk or half-and-half, but the bars might be slightly less rich and creamy.