Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that delivers an irresistible combination of rich, creamy, and decadent flavors, then the Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightfully indulgent treat features a buttery cake crust topped with a luscious cream cheese layer, all elevated by a generous drizzle of salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just craving a cozy homemade dessert, these gooey bars promise pure bliss in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, easy-to-find ingredients is key to making these bars sing with flavor. Each element brings its own magic, from the buttery crust that holds everything together to the creamy filling and that standout caramel finish.

• Yellow cake mix: The base that gives the crust a delightful texture and familiar buttery flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to both the crust and filling, making every bite smooth and tender.
• Eggs: They bind the ingredients together perfectly, ensuring the crust is sturdy and the filling sets just right.
• Cream cheese: This creates the gooey, creamy layer packed with luscious tang that contrasts beautifully with the sweet elements.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese filling into that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Caramel sauce: The star of the show that brings an indulgent, buttery sweetness with a hint of depth and sophistication.
• Sea salt: Just a sprinkle perfectly balances the sweetness, making every bite complex and crave-worthy.

How to Make Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to ensure the bars come out cleanly after baking. This step sets the foundation for a successful bake.

Step 2: Making the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and one egg. Mix everything until well incorporated. This mixture forms the crust that will hold the gooey topping, giving structure and a buttery base.

Step 3: Pressing the Crust

Press the cake mix mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Making sure it’s spread out uniformly will help create a consistent crust layer that bakes evenly and crisps up just right.

Step 4: Crafting the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will be the luscious layer that contrasts the texture of the crust exquisitely.

Step 5: Adding the Wet Ingredients

Add the remaining two eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter to the cream cheese. Beat this combination until everything blends into a smooth, velvety filling that’s ready to slime your bars with irresistible richness.

Step 6: Sweetening the Filling

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing until it’s silky-smooth and perfectly sweetened. This creates the gooey texture that makes these bars stand out.

Step 7: Assembling the Bars

Pour this luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the pressed crust layer. Smooth it out with a spatula so it ends up uniform and perfectly ready for the next steps.

Step 8: Adding Salted Caramel and Sea Salt

Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cream cheese layer. Once drizzled, sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top—this salty sparkle is what makes the bars addictive and memorable.

Step 9: Baking to Perfection

Bake your bars for 40-45 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown and the center is just set but still retains that gooey charm.

Step 10: Cooling and Cutting

Allow your Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe to cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial for the bars to firm up enough for clean squares that will hold their gooey, caramel-filled magic when sliced.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your bars even further, consider topping each square with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a swirl of extra caramel sauce. A few toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream can also add fantastic texture and contrast.

Side Dishes

These bars shine best alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a cup of strong coffee, or a simple glass of cold milk. The creamy or bitter notes from these sides perfectly balance the sweetness of the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, you can cut the bars into small bite-sized pieces and serve them on decorative trays with toothpicks. Alternatively, layer them with fresh berries for a colorful, elegant dessert spread that’s as stunning as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this timeframe before they begin to lose their gooey appeal.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain their rich texture and flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the bars gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that warm gooey goodness without making them dry or tough.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix flavor?

While the yellow cake mix offers a classic buttery base, you can experiment with vanilla or even spice cake mixes for subtle twists, but keep in mind it may alter the final flavor balance.

Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter gives you better control over the overall saltiness of the bars, especially since you’re adding sea salt separately. Salted butter may make the dessert too salty.

How can I make these bars less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese filling or use a caramel sauce with less sugar to tone down the sweetness without compromising the gooey texture.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, you can easily adapt the recipe. Just ensure all other ingredients, especially the caramel sauce, are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to cut the bars without making a mess?

Use a sharp knife warmed with hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This method helps slice through the gooey layers cleanly without squishing or dragging.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is a showstopper that combines simplicity and indulgence in one delightful package. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a little sweetness in your day, these bars are sure to become a beloved classic in your dessert rotation. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a baking adventure that’s all about joy, gooeyness, and that perfect touch of salted caramel magic.

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