Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you're craving a decadent, sweet treat that combines the richness of butter cake with the irresistible allure of salted caramel, you're in the right place. These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. They’re easy to make, sinfully delicious, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Want to create a dessert that will leave your guests begging for the recipe? Keep reading for a step-by-step guide to making these amazing bars.

What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a mouthwatering dessert made by layering a buttery cake base with a luscious, gooey caramel filling and a sprinkling of sea salt. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, combined with the dense and chewy texture, makes these bars absolutely irresistible. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a holiday celebration, or just a well-deserved treat after a long day. The best part? These bars are surprisingly simple to make and require just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

To make the perfect batch of Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box of yellow cake mix (preferably with butter flavor)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gooey Caramel Layer:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 jar (about 12 oz) salted caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling on top)

Substitutions and Variations

If you want to make this recipe your own or accommodate dietary restrictions, there are a few easy substitutions and variations you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.
2. Dairy-Free Version: Replace the butter with dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
3. Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the caramel before adding the final sprinkle of sea salt for a delicious salted caramel chocolate butter cake bar.
4. Nutty Variation: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the cake base for a crunchy contrast to the gooey caramel filling.

Feel free to get creative with your own flavor combinations!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you'll be enjoying these indulgent treats in no time:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture forms a thick, dough-like consistency. Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Layer

In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, and continue to beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing slowly to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Once the mixture is fully incorporated, it will be thick and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Salted Caramel

Spread a generous layer of salted caramel sauce over the cake base. Be sure to reserve a little caramel sauce for drizzling later. Then, pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the caramel layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, but the center should still be a little jiggly. You don't want to overbake these bars, as they are supposed to be gooey in the middle.

Step 6: Cool and Add Salt

Once the bars are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. While they’re still warm, drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. You can serve them immediately or store them for later; either way, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking these delightful bars is an easy and rewarding process, especially when broken down into manageable steps. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, follow this guide to ensure your Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars come out perfectly:

1. Preheat and Prep: Always preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your baking pan to prevent the bars from sticking.
2. Mix the Base: Combine your cake mix with butter, eggs, and vanilla to create a firm base for the gooey topping.
3. Create the Gooey Layer: Cream together the cheese, eggs, and butter before folding in the sugar to achieve that rich, thick texture.
4. Add Caramel and Bake: Don’t skimp on the caramel! Generously layer it over the base, top with the cream cheese mixture, and bake until golden and slightly jiggly.
5. Cool and Finish: Drizzle with extra caramel and sprinkle sea salt before cooling and slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:

1. Overmixing the Cake Base: Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry base instead of a tender, buttery layer.
2. Overbaking: The bars should be gooey, so avoid baking until they are completely set. The center should still jiggle slightly when you take them out of the oven.
3. Not Using Enough Caramel: Don’t be stingy with the caramel layer—it’s the star of the show! Make sure there’s enough to complement the cake base and the gooey layer.
4. Skipping the Sea Salt: The sea salt is essential to balance out the sweetness of the caramel and cake. A light sprinkle goes a long way.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars with a touch of creativity can make them even more enjoyable. Here are some presentation ideas:

1. Serve Warm with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
2. Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Balance the richness with a garnish of fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a pop of color and freshness.
3. Drizzle with Chocolate: Add an extra layer of flavor by drizzling melted chocolate over the bars before serving.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

These bars can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed up. If you’re serving them at a party or gathering, you can arrange the squares on a decorative platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. They also make excellent gifts—simply wrap them in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a homemade treat that’s sure to impress.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

If you want to make your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars stand out, here are a few presentation ideas:

1. Layered Dessert Jars: For a fun twist, layer crumbled bars in small jars with whipped cream and extra caramel sauce for a portable dessert.
2. Square Tower: Stack the bars in a pyramid or tower on a dessert table for an eye-catching centerpiece.
3. Elegant Plating: Serve on individual plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of sea salt for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

To get the most out of this recipe, consider the following tips:

1. Use High-Quality Caramel: The caramel sauce is a key component, so using a high-quality, rich caramel will significantly enhance the flavor.
2. Let the Bars Cool Completely: Patience is key! Let the bars cool before slicing to ensure clean, even cuts.
3. Store Properly: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer storage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

A: Yes! These bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own caramel sauce, go for it. Just make sure it's thick enough to hold up in the bars.

Q: How long do these bars last?

A: Stored in an airtight container, these bars will last up to three days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, they are perfect for making ahead! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these bars are sure to satisfy. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and endless possibilities for variations, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!

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