If you're looking for a dessert that's the perfect blend of sweet, salty, and rich, you're in for a treat! These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are incredibly indulgent and satisfying, with a soft, buttery cake layer topped with gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt. This recipe is a hit at parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert that looks and tastes like it's from a fancy bakery. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations that will have you baking up these irresistible bars in no time!
What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a decadent dessert made with a buttery, tender cake base, a rich, gooey caramel filling, and a light sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness. These bars are chewy, moist, and packed with layers of flavor, making them a favorite for anyone who loves the combination of caramel and butter. The addition of sea salt takes these bars to the next level, providing a perfect contrast to the rich, sweet caramel.
The bars are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and the results absolutely mouth-watering!
Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or homemade cake mix equivalent)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Gooey Caramel Filling:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- ½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to put your own spin on these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, you can easily make a few substitutions or variations:
- Cake Mix: Instead of yellow cake mix, you can use white or even chocolate cake mix for a slightly different flavor. A homemade cake base can also be substituted if you prefer scratch baking.
- Butter Substitutes: If you want a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil. Keep in mind this may alter the flavor and texture slightly, but the bars will still be delicious!
- Caramel Sauce: If you're short on time, a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
- Add-Ins: Mix-ins like chocolate chips, toffee bits, or even chopped nuts can be added to the caramel filling for extra texture and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version of these bars. Make sure all other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray.
- Make the cake layer: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well-combined and form a thick dough.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using your hands or a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Prepare the gooey caramel filling: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Add the caramel: Gently fold the caramel sauce into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed. You can swirl it slightly for a marbled effect if desired.
- Pour the filling over the cake base, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top of the filling for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown but the center is still slightly gooey. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or bars. Sprinkle a little more sea salt on top if desired.
How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are measured and ready to go before you start. This makes the process smoother and faster.
- Prep Your Pan: Lining your pan with parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps you lift the bars out of the pan without sticking. Alternatively, you can grease your pan well with butter or a non-stick spray.
- Create the Base: The base of these bars is made from a simple cake mix dough. It’s essential to mix the ingredients well, ensuring the egg and butter are fully incorporated into the dry cake mix.
- Mix the Filling: The filling should be smooth and creamy, so make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin. This helps prevent lumps in the filling. Adding the powdered sugar gradually will also help create a smooth texture.
- Baking Time: Be careful not to overbake the bars. The center should still be gooey when you take them out of the oven. As the bars cool, they will continue to firm up, creating the perfect texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a denser cake layer. Mix the cake base ingredients just until they come together to keep the base soft and tender.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold cream cheese or butter can result in a lumpy filling. Always ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing.
- Overbaking: Gooey bars should be, well, gooey! If you bake them until they seem completely set in the oven, they’ll be too firm once they cool. The center should still jiggle a bit when you take them out.
- Not Using Enough Salt: The sea salt is what makes these bars stand out by cutting through the sweetness of the caramel. Don’t skip it!
Serving and Presentation Tips
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. If you want to get creative with how you serve them, here are some ideas:
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey bars. You can even drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top.
- Drizzle of Chocolate: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Whipped Cream Topping: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a nice contrast to the richness of the bars.
How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
These bars can be served in small squares or larger rectangles depending on the occasion. For a more polished presentation, use a sharp knife to cut clean edges and wipe the blade between cuts. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar or a tiny extra pinch of sea salt on top before serving.
Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- Rustic Appeal: Serve the bars directly from the baking pan for a more casual, family-style presentation.
- Elegant Platter: Arrange the bars on a beautiful serving tray, stacking them slightly for height and visual interest.
- Decorative Boxes: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper or clear bags and tie with a ribbon for gifting or party favors.
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Cutting: For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing. This will firm up the caramel and make it easier to get neat pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make them a day or two ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely. Homemade caramel sauce will elevate the flavor of these bars, but store-bought works great if you're in a pinch.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply swap the regular cake mix for a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, decadent treats. With their buttery cake base, gooey caramel filling, and a hint of sea salt, they're sure to satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today, and don't forget to experiment with the variations and tips for even more delicious possibilities!
PrintGooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars combine a buttery base with a rich, gooey caramel layer, enhanced by a touch of sea salt. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for caramel lovers and those craving a mix of sweet and salty flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Caramel sauce
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the butter cake base by creaming butter and sugars, then adding eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in flour to form the dough and press into the prepared pan.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk over the base, followed by the caramel sauce.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and bake until the edges are set and the center remains slightly gooey.
- Let it cool before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Allow the bars to fully cool before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to taste for a more or less intense salty flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180 mg
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