Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that's an irresistible mix of sweetness and saltiness, with a luscious, buttery texture? You've come to the right place! These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or when you just need something decadent, these bars will satisfy every craving. Read on for a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make this mouthwatering dessert. Trust me, you won't want to miss a step!

What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a layered dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of a classic butter cake with a decadent salted caramel layer. The top bakes to a golden, crisp finish, while the inside stays gooey and soft. The contrast between the sweet caramel and the subtle hint of salt creates a flavor explosion that’s irresistible. Imagine a perfectly gooey, salty-sweet bite that melts in your mouth, with a slightly crispy crust on top. These bars are easy to make, but taste like they came from a gourmet bakery.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

For the Crust:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (you can substitute with butter or vanilla cake mix if preferred)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Topping:

• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce (extra for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes for sprinkling (Maldon or Himalayan work well)

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

1. Gluten-Free Option: Simply replace the boxed cake mix with a gluten-free yellow cake mix. All other ingredients remain the same, so you won’t sacrifice any flavor or texture.
2. Dairy-Free Version: For those avoiding dairy, use a dairy-free butter alternative and dairy-free cream cheese. Coconut oil can be substituted for the butter in the crust for an interesting flavor twist.
3. Chocolate Lovers' Twist: Add a layer of chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top along with the salted caramel for an extra indulgent treat.
4. Nutty Addition: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling or over the top before baking.
5. Fruit-Flavored Caramel: Want something a little different? Try using a fruit-infused caramel sauce, like apple or bourbon-infused caramel, for a subtle twist on the traditional flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make sure your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars come out perfectly every time, follow this step-by-step guide.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This will ensure that the bars don’t stick and slide out easily when you’re ready to cut them.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, one egg, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture forms a soft, pliable dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, ensuring that the entire base is covered. This forms the foundation of your gooey butter cake bars, so make sure the dough is spread evenly.

Step 3: Create the Filling
In another large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and two eggs until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and salted caramel sauce. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, adding it one cup at a time until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This sweet, tangy filling will become irresistibly gooey once baked.

Step 4: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
Once the filling is mixed, pour it over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it covers the entire crust layer. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick — it will melt and spread as it bakes, giving you that signature gooey texture.

Step 5: Drizzle and Sprinkle
Drizzle ¼ cup of salted caramel sauce over the top of the filling. You can swirl it slightly with a knife for a marbled effect. Finally, sprinkle the sea salt flakes evenly over the caramel. The salt will bring out the sweetness and add that perfect salty-sweet balance.

Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is still slightly gooey. Keep an eye on it — you don’t want to overbake, as the gooey texture is the key to this dessert's success.

Step 7: Cool and Cut
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the dish for at least 30 minutes. They will firm up as they cool, making it easier to cut them into bars without them falling apart. After cooling, cut into squares or rectangles and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that final touch of indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overbaking: One of the biggest mistakes is leaving the bars in the oven for too long. You want the center to remain slightly gooey, so keep an eye on them after 35 minutes of baking.
2. Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature. This will help the filling mix smoothly without lumps and ensure an even texture throughout.
3. Not Cooling Before Cutting: If you try to cut the bars while they’re still warm, they may fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for cleaner slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: These bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some more salted caramel over each slice just before serving. They pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will take them to a whole new level.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Drizzle of Caramel: Use a small spoon or squeeze bottle to drizzle extra salted caramel in a zig-zag pattern over the top of each bar.
• Sea Salt Garnish: For a gourmet look, sprinkle a few extra flakes of sea salt on each bar just before serving.
• Chocolate Drizzle: If you’ve added chocolate chips to the filling, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for a beautiful two-tone finish.
• Serve on Fancy Plates: Elevate the presentation by placing the bars on decorative dessert plates with a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars store beautifully. Make them a day in advance and refrigerate. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Double the Recipe: Need more for a large gathering? This recipe doubles easily — just use a larger baking dish and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Caramel Sauce: If you're feeling adventurous, make your own salted caramel sauce at home! Homemade caramel sauce takes the flavor to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! Let them cool completely, cut them into bars, and freeze in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works just as well, but be sure to use a good-quality one for the best flavor.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I make these in advance?
A: Yes, you can make them a day ahead and refrigerate. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. With their rich, buttery base, gooey salted caramel filling, and a sprinkling of sea salt, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!

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