Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars combine a rich buttery crust with a luscious, gooey filling and a decadent salted caramel drizzle. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup sugar (for caramel)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces (for caramel)
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature (for caramel)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (crust)
• 3 tablespoons sugar (crust)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces (crust)
• 3/4 cup sugar (filling)
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (filling)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (filling)
• 2/3 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the salted caramel by combining water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then let it boil without stirring until it turns an amber color. Remove from heat and carefully add the 6 tablespoons of butter and the room temperature heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour and 3 tablespoons sugar. Cut in the cold 5 tablespoons of butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat 3/4 cup room temperature butter with 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add 1/4 cup light corn syrup and the egg, mixing until combined. Gradually add 1 cup flour and 2/3 cup evaporated milk, mixing until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the gooey batter evenly over the prepared crust. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the top. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
• For extra gooeyness, do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly.
• Swap evaporated milk for regular whole milk if unavailable, though texture may vary slightly.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for a warm, spicy note.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling over the bars.

What pan size is best for these bars?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is ideal to achieve the right thickness and texture. Using a different size may affect baking time and consistency.