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- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup caramel sauce - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt for topping For these soft salted caramel bars, you need simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in the taste and texture. The butter gives a rich flavor and helps the bars stay soft. Brown sugar adds depth, while granulated sugar adds sweetness. Eggs bind everything together and add moisture. The vanilla extract gives a warm, sweet note. All-purpose flour is the base, providing structure. Baking powder helps the bars rise, making them fluffy. Salt balances the sweetness. The caramel sauce adds that gooey, sweet layer. Finally, sea salt on top enhances the flavor. Gather these ingredients before you start for an easy baking experience. Enjoy the process of making these delicious treats! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven and prepare the baking pan. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps you lift out the bars later. 2. Cream together butter and sugars. In a large bowl, add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix these until they are light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. 3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla. Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Then add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. 1. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step ensures your bars rise and have the right flavor. 1. Spread batter and drizzle with caramel. Set aside 1 cup of the batter. Spread the rest evenly in your prepared baking pan. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the batter. 2. Dollop the reserved batter on top. Use a spoon to add the reserved batter on top of the caramel. Leave some caramel showing for a tasty look. 3. Bake and add sea salt. Place the pan in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top. Insert a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. As soon as the bars come out, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt on top. This adds a lovely contrast to the sweet caramel. To ensure your soft salted caramel bars cook evenly, follow these steps: - Mix Well: Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy. This adds air and helps the bars rise. - Measure Flour Correctly: Use the spoon and level method for flour. This keeps the bars soft and moist. - Check Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven. An accurate oven gives you perfect results. - Use a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick to check doneness. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, cooling is key. Here’s how to cool your bars for the best texture: - Cool in the Pan: Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. This keeps them soft. - Use Parchment Overhang: Lift the bars out with the parchment paper. This makes cutting easier. You can make some swaps to fit your needs: - Butter Alternatives: Use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter. This can change the flavor slightly but keeps the bars rich. - Sugar Alternatives: Try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for a healthier option. When it comes to caramel sauce, you have choices: - Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade caramel gives a richer taste, but store-bought saves time. If you choose homemade, ensure it’s thick enough to drizzle. - Flavor Variations: If you like, add a hint of vanilla or bourbon to your caramel for extra depth. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and a smoother batter. Caramel Sauce Choice: Choosing a high-quality caramel sauce will enhance the flavor of your bars. If making homemade, allow it to cool slightly before adding. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined to keep the bars tender and soft. Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure clean cuts and prevent them from falling apart. {{image_2}} You can make these soft salted caramel bars even better with some fun twists. - Adding nuts or chocolate chips: Mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to add crunch. You can also stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich flavor. Both options pair well with the sweet caramel. - Using flavored caramel sauce: Try using caramel sauce with a hint of sea salt or vanilla. You can even make a spiced caramel using cinnamon or a touch of espresso. These flavors add depth and surprise to each bite. You can easily adapt these bars for different diets. - Gluten-free options: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture. - Vegan alternatives: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This keeps the bars soft and delicious without using animal products. To keep your soft salted caramel bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. This way, they won’t stick together. For best results, keep them at room temperature. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to store them longer, the fridge is an option. Just remember they may lose some softness. If you want to enjoy your soft salted caramel bars warm, reheating is easy. Use the microwave in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Check after each burst to avoid overheating. You can also place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This warms them evenly and keeps their texture soft. Enjoy them warm with a drizzle of caramel on top for extra flavor! These bars are soft because of the butter and brown sugar. Butter adds moisture, while brown sugar keeps them chewy. The eggs also help bind the ingredients, adding to the soft texture. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days when stored properly. Just keep them in an airtight container to maintain their softness. You can check if they are done by looking for a golden top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. This means they are perfectly baked. Absolutely! You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. Thaw them in the fridge before serving for the best taste. You learned how to make soft salted caramel bars with clear steps and tips. We covered the key ingredients, preparation, and variations to match any taste. Remember, the perfect balance of flavors and textures makes these bars special. Store them well for freshness, and don’t hesitate to try new flavors. With these easy methods, you can impress anyone. Enjoy baking and sharing these delicious treats!

Soft Salted Caramel Bars

Deliciously soft bars with a rich salted caramel layer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 2 granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 2 sea salt (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  • Reserve 1 cup of the batter and spread the remaining batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the batter layer, then gently dollop the reserved batter on top in spoonfuls, leaving some caramel exposed.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • As soon as you remove the bars from the oven, sprinkle the sea salt over the top for a delightful contrast.
  • Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then lift out using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.

Notes

Serve in a rustic wooden tray and drizzle more caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.
Keyword bars, caramel, dessert