Name: Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1½ cups powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons vanilla extract; 4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits); ⅓ cup heavy cream; ½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate dessert bar—sweet, buttery, gooey, and impossible to stop at just one—your search ends here. These Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a heavenly combination of rich shortbread crust, creamy caramel filling, and a perfect salty finish that takes them over the top. They’re sweet, soft, slightly crisp around the edges, and truly addictive in the best way.

These bars are perfect for holidays, bake sales, family gatherings, or just treating yourself on a Tuesday afternoon. They’re easy to make and even easier to devour. Let’s get into everything you need to make these luscious butter bars at home—from ingredients to tips, and even how to store them (if you have any leftovers!).

Why These Salted Caramel Bars Are So Addictive

There’s something about the balance of rich, buttery layers and silky caramel that makes these bars utterly crave-worthy. Here’s what makes them stand out:

Incredibly buttery base and topping – Melts in your mouth with every bite
Sweet and salty caramel center – Creamy, dreamy, and perfectly balanced
Easy to make – Minimal prep, simple steps, maximum flavor
Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day
Elegant yet indulgent – Perfect for gifting or a dinner party dessert

One bite in, and you’ll understand why these are named Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars.

What Are Salted Caramel Butter Bars?

Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a layered dessert made with a shortbread-like butter crust, a soft caramel filling, and a crumbly, buttery topping. The crust and topping are made from the same dough, giving the bars a cohesive and rich flavor profile.

The star of the show is the caramel layer, enhanced by a touch of sea salt to cut through the sweetness and bring out the deep, rich flavor of the caramel. The result is a dessert bar that’s chewy, gooey, and packed with both sweetness and complexity.

Ingredients for Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars

To create these decadent bars, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping:

1 pound (2 cups) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Filling:

1 (14 oz) bag of caramel candies, unwrapped (or 2 cups soft caramel bits)
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ to 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt (adjust to taste)

These ingredients come together to form an unforgettable texture and flavor combination.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make your Salted Caramel Butter Bars with ease, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
Parchment paper
Offset spatula (optional, for spreading caramel)

No special equipment needed—just the basics for buttery, gooey success.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and mix to combine. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a thick dough forms.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Bottom Layer

Press half to two-thirds of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Set the remaining dough aside for the topping. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel

While the crust is baking, melt the caramel candies and heavy cream together in a microwave-safe bowl or over low heat on the stove. Stir frequently until smooth and fully combined.

Step 5: Layer the Caramel

Once the bottom layer is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the warm caramel over the crust. Spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the top with sea salt.

Step 6: Add the Topping

Crumble the remaining dough over the top of the caramel layer. Don’t press it down—just sprinkle it to create a rustic, buttery topping.

Step 7: Bake Again

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is set and lightly golden.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner slices, chill in the fridge for 1 hour after cooling. Use the parchment overhang to lift and slice cleanly.

Tips for the Perfect Buttery, Caramel-Filled Texture

Use room-temperature butter for the creamiest dough and best texture
Don’t overbake the base or topping—it should be just lightly golden
Stir the caramel constantly while melting to avoid scorching
Sprinkle flaky sea salt while caramel is warm so it sticks beautifully
Chill before cutting to get those clean, bakery-style squares

These tips ensure your bars have the ideal bite: soft, rich, and perfectly balanced.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Butter Bars

Skipping the parchment paper – Makes removing and cutting bars a challenge
Using margarine or salted butter – Can alter flavor and texture dramatically
Not unwrapping the caramels ahead of time – Save time by prepping before baking
Overpacking the dough – Press firmly, but not too hard, to avoid a dense crust
Under-salting the caramel – The salt is key to balancing the sweetness

By avoiding these small missteps, your butter bars will be every bit as amazing as they sound.

Delicious Variations and Add-In Ideas

While the classic version is unbeatable, try one of these creative twists to mix things up:

Chocolate drizzle – Drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch
Swirl in a bit of raspberry jam into the caramel layer
Use dulce de leche for a richer, deeper caramel experience
Mix a pinch of cinnamon into the dough for warmth and spice

Each variation keeps the soul of the butter bar while adding a new layer of flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Salted Caramel Bars

Make these bars the star of your dessert table with these serving ideas:

Cut into small squares or rectangles and stack on a platter
Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a soft, elegant finish
Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Wrap individually in parchment and ribbon for gifts
Plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence

Whether served simply or dressed up, these bars always impress.

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Butter Bars

To store: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

To freeze: Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy.

To serve again: Let come to room temperature or microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds to revive the gooey caramel center.

These bars store beautifully, making them perfect for gifting or preparing ahead.

Best Drink Pairings (Non-Alcoholic)

Balance the sweetness of your Salted Caramel Butter Bars with one of these perfect non-alcoholic pairings:

Fresh brewed coffee or espresso
Chai latte or cinnamon-spiced tea
Cold brew with oat milk
Vanilla almond milk
Salted caramel hot chocolate for a theme-on-theme pairing

Choose a drink that complements the rich, buttery flavor without overwhelming it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Butter Bars

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of melting caramels?
Yes, just be sure it’s thick and rich—not too runny—or it may affect the final texture.

Are these bars overly sweet?
They are rich, but the sea salt helps balance the sweetness beautifully.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your caramel is gluten-free.

Do I have to use sea salt?
For best results, yes. It enhances flavor and balances the buttery sweetness.

Can I cut these while they’re still warm?
Wait until fully cooled or chilled for clean slices. They may fall apart if cut too early.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars are everything a dessert should be—rich, gooey, buttery, and perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, prepping a sweet gift, or simply indulging yourself, these bars are always a hit. Simple to make, impossible to forget, and worth every bite.