Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you’re a dessert lover, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars. With their buttery base, rich gooey center, and a perfect balance of sweet and salty, these bars are bound to become your new go-to treat. They’re the perfect dessert for any occasion—whether it’s a casual family gathering, a dinner party, or even just a cozy night in with a cup of coffee. Keep reading to learn how to make these indulgent bars, and don’t miss out on some helpful tips for perfecting the recipe!

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What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a decadent dessert made with layers of buttery cake, a gooey cream cheese filling, and rich salted caramel. Imagine a cross between a classic butter cake and a gooey bar with the addition of salted caramel for that irresistible sweet-salty combination. These bars have a soft and chewy texture, with the gooey center providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The salted caramel adds depth of flavor, cutting through the sweetness of the cake and enhancing the richness of the butter. It’s truly a dessert that satisfies all your cravings in one bite.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

To make these delicious bars, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here's what you'll need for the base and filling:

• For the base:
  • 1 box yellow cake mix
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
• For the gooey filling:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
• For the salted caramel:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream, warmed
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter

Substitutions and Variations

There are several ways you can modify this recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer to make the cake base from scratch, you can replace the boxed cake mix with a homemade butter cake recipe. Additionally, if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the powdered sugar by half without compromising too much on taste, though the texture may be slightly less gooey. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also play around with the caramel—if you want a deeper flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of granulated sugar when making the caramel sauce. Lastly, if you love nuts, adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the top of the bars before baking can give them a nice crunch and complement the gooey texture perfectly.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars may sound complex, but with a little patience and the right steps, you’ll have a delicious batch of bars in no time. Follow these step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
3. Make the gooey filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Pour in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Pour the filling over the base: Spread the gooey cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake base.
5. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and allow the mixture to boil. Cook until the sugar turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and slowly whisk in the warm heavy cream (be cautious, as it may bubble up). Stir in the sea salt and butter until smooth.
6. Drizzle the caramel over the cream cheese layer: Use a spoon or small spatula to gently swirl the caramel into the filling.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is slightly set. It should still jiggle a bit when you shake the pan—this is what gives the bars their gooey texture.
8. Cool completely: Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour before slicing.

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

To achieve the perfect texture for these bars, it’s important to follow the recipe closely. The base layer provides the structure, while the gooey filling is where the magic happens. When making the caramel sauce, be patient and keep an eye on the sugar. Caramel can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a matter of seconds, so watch it carefully. Once everything is assembled and baked, resist the temptation to cut into the bars immediately—letting them cool will help them firm up slightly, making them easier to slice without falling apart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the caramel: If you let the caramel cook too long, it can become bitter or harden too much when drizzled over the filling. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a deep amber color.
2. Undercooking the bars: While you want the center to remain gooey, make sure the edges are fully set. If you take the bars out too early, the filling may be too runny.
3. Not letting the bars cool: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them. If they’re too warm, the filling will ooze out, making it difficult to get clean slices.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are rich and indulgent, so serving them in small squares is ideal. They’re great served on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more elegant presentation, you can drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to enhance the flavor. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a nice touch.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

These bars can be served warm, room temperature, or chilled, depending on your preference. If you like a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream. For a more structured dessert, chill the bars for a few hours before serving. They’re perfect for both casual gatherings and formal occasions—just cut them into neat squares and arrange them on a platter for an eye-catching display.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Presentation is key when it comes to dessert, and Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are no exception. Arrange the bars on a decorative tray or a rustic wooden board for a charming, homemade look. You can garnish the platter with small bowls of extra caramel sauce, fresh berries, or edible flowers for a more sophisticated vibe. If you’re serving these at a holiday party, consider dusting the bars with a little powdered sugar to mimic snowflakes for a festive touch.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• For an extra gooey center, slightly underbake the bars by 2-3 minutes.
• Use high-quality butter and sea salt for the best flavor. The richness of the butter and the quality of the salt really shine through in this recipe.
• To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes! Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and bring them to room temperature before serving.
2. Can I freeze the bars? Absolutely! These bars freeze well. Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper in between. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. However, homemade salted caramel adds a richer flavor and is worth the effort!
4. Can I make these gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free alternative, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of buttery sweetness and a touch of saltiness. The gooey center, the rich caramel, and the soft cake base all come together to create a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and promises amazing results every time. Give it a try and watch as these bars become a favorite in your household! Enjoy!

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