If you have a weakness for decadent desserts that perfectly balance sweet and salty, you are going to fall head over heels for this Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. Imagine a tender, buttery crust layered beneath a luxuriously creamy filling, all crowned by luscious salted caramel swirls and a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Every bite melts delightfully in your mouth, leaving a symphony of tastes and textures that you simply cannot resist. This recipe effortlessly turns simple pantry staples into a show-stopping treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though this recipe might sound fancy, the ingredients are refreshingly simple and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect gooey bar with a salty-sweet finish. From the richness of butter and cream cheese to the smooth sweetness of condensed milk and caramel, every component combines to create magic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter forms the rich, flaky base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and tenderness to the buttery crust—you want it to be sturdy yet melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the buttery notes.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Gives the filling its smooth, luscious texture and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the filling together and contribute to that gooey, custard-like consistency you crave.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth, elevating the caramel’s natural buttery flavors.
- Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): The secret ingredient that adds creamy sweetness and helps achieve that famous gooey texture.
- Salted caramel sauce (½ cup): Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce to drizzle and swirl on top for an irresistible finish.
- Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled at the end to enhance flavor and add that lovely crunch and salty contrast.
How to Make Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This step sets you up for a hassle-free baking and cooling process.
Step 2: Craft the Buttery Crust
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—that fluffiness is key to the crust’s tender crumb. Next, stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms. This crust is the foundational layer that delivers that melt-in-your-mouth buttery base you’ll adore.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press your dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake it for about 15 minutes until it turns lightly golden on top. That slight golden color means it’s got just the right amount of crispness to contrast with the gooey filling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Filling
While your crust cools slightly, beat the softened cream cheese in a clean bowl until silky smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk, mixing until everything is well combined and creamy. This luscious filling is truly the heart of the bars and is what makes these bars so irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Swirl with Salted Caramel
Pour the creamy filling evenly over the baked crust. Next, drizzle the salted caramel sauce across the top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the filling. This step ensures every bite gets a delightful hit of that signature caramel flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Bake the assembled bars for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. That wobble means the interior will be perfectly gooey once cooled.
Step 7: Final Touches
Remove the bars from the oven and immediately sprinkle flaky sea salt on top while they are still warm. This finishing touch intensifies the salted caramel’s complexity and adds a perfect crunch. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into 16 squares.
How to Serve Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate elegance or extra caramel drizzle. For a festive touch, chopped toasted pecans or a few chocolate shavings add crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the salty-sweet bars.
Side Dishes
These bars are indulgent enough to enjoy on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes the experience to the next level. A cup of robust coffee or milk also complements the sweet richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, consider cutting the bars into small bite-sized squares and serving on a decorative platter sprinkled with sea salt and caramel star decorations. You can even layer them in a pretty glass jar alternated with whipped cream for a playful parfait twist that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and refrigerated, store leftover bars in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully for up to 5 days in the fridge, maintaining their gooey texture and rich flavor. Just be sure to keep them chilled to avoid any melting or softening issues.
Freezing
If you want to make this Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe in advance or save some for later, these bars freeze well. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen bars, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. For that freshly baked warmth, microwave individual bars for about 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to preserve the gooey texture rather than melt the filling entirely.
FAQs
Can I make the salted caramel sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Using homemade salted caramel sauce can really elevate the bars with fresh, rich flavor. Simply melt sugar, add butter and cream, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s easier than you think and worth the extra effort.
What kind of cream cheese is best?
Full-fat cream cheese at room temperature is best for this recipe to ensure a creamy, smooth filling that bakes into that perfect gooey texture. Avoid low-fat versions as they may affect consistency.
Can I use a different pan size?
You can, but a 9×9-inch pan is ideal to achieve the right thickness. If you use a larger pan, your bars will be thinner and might bake faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
Why does the center need to jiggle slightly?
This jiggle means the middle is perfectly gooey and not overbaked. The bars will continue to set as they cool, preserving that signature soft, custardy texture that makes them so irresistible.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Mixing in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the filling before baking adds delightful texture and flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the salted caramel essence the bars are known for.
Final Thoughts
You honestly can’t go wrong when you whip up this Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own during a special treat moment. Give it a try, and watch how quickly these bars become your new dessert obsession—you’ll be making them again and again!
Print
Irresistibly Rich Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus 2 hours chilling time
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars feature a buttery crust topped with a rich, creamy filling swirled with luscious salted caramel. Perfectly balanced with a hint of sea salt, these bars offer an irresistible gooey texture and decadent flavor, ideal for dessert lovers seeking an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Topping
- Flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Bake the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Allow the crust to cool slightly before adding the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and sweetened condensed milk, mixing well until a smooth, creamy batter forms.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust in the baking dish. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the filling. Using a knife, gently swirl the caramel into the filling to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are set and lightly golden but the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This ensures a gooey texture.
- Add Topping and Chill: While the bars are still warm, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly on top to enhance the caramel flavor. Allow bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use high-quality salted caramel sauce or homemade for the richest flavor.
- Ensure bars are fully chilled before cutting to achieve clean slices.
- Optionally, you can warm the bars slightly before serving to enhance gooeyness.
