Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Have you ever craved something so buttery, sweet, and indulgent that one bite just wasn’t enough? Meet your new obsession: Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars! Imagine a golden, crumbly shortbread crust layered with creamy homemade caramel, topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The balance of sweet and salty makes these bars a dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.

Fun fact: while salted caramel only became trendy in recent decades, pairing caramel with butter and sea salt has long been a favorite in French pastry kitchens. These bars take that sophisticated flavor combo and wrap it up in a cozy, homemade treat.

What Are Salted Caramel Butter Bars?

Think of them as the ultimate marriage between buttery shortbread and luscious caramel. Each bite is melt-in-your-mouth soft, with just the right hint of salt to keep the sweetness in check. They’re called “Irresistible” for a reason—once you try them, you’ll understand why stopping at just one square is nearly impossible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick – Ready in about 30 minutes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

• Perfect for Sharing – Great for family gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in.

• Budget-Friendly – Homemade tastes better and costs less than bakery treats.

• Customizable – Add extra caramel drizzle, more flaky sea salt, or even a chocolate drizzle for your own twist.

If these sound heavenly, you might also enjoy my Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or S’mores Brownies for more melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 4 tablespoons heavy cream

• Flaky sea salt, for topping

How to Make Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the flour and salt, mixing until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan.

Step 3: Bake the Base

Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Caramel

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and heavy cream. Stir until dissolved, then let it bubble for 3–4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake Again

Pour the caramel over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt for that bakery-worthy finish.

Serving Ideas

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream

• Alongside a cup of coffee or tea

• With a dollop of fresh whipped cream

• As part of a dessert platter at gatherings

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use softened butter (not melted) for the best crust texture.

2. Watch your caramel closely—it can go from perfect to burnt quickly.

3. Allow bars to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp, or enjoy them slightly chilled for a chewy caramel bite.

Irresistible Salted Caramel Butter Bars

A delicious blend of buttery shortbread and rich salted caramel, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure it's at room temperature.
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• Sea salt for topping Add to taste.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until you get a crumbly texture.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan evenly.

Baking the Base

1. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

Making the Caramel

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble.
2. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and gently fold in sea salt to the caramel mixture.

Combining and Final Bake

1. Pour the caramel layer over the baked crust, ensuring it spreads evenly.
2. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Cooling and Serving

1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.
2. Dust with extra sea salt if desired, and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, drizzle extra caramel or sprinkle additional sea salt on top before serving. These bars can be served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.