Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Imagine biting into a dessert that’s rich, buttery, and gooey with layers of sweet, salty caramel melting into every bite. If that sounds heavenly, then you're going to love these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars. These bars combine the irresistible flavors of caramel, butter, and just the right touch of salt, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and comforting. Whether you’re making them for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving at home, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and variations!

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What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a fusion of two beloved desserts: butter cake and gooey caramel. They consist of a buttery, cookie-like crust, a rich cream cheese-based filling, and a luscious layer of salted caramel that seeps into the cake as it bakes, creating a gooey center. The result is a dessert that’s chewy at the edges, but gooey and soft in the center, with the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Before we get into the steps, let’s first gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious treat. The recipe is broken into two main components: the crust and the filling.

For the Crust:

• 1 box yellow cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar

For the Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible enough to accommodate a range of dietary preferences and flavor profiles. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Cake Mix Alternatives: If you prefer a more homemade crust, you can replace the cake mix with 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
• Cream Cheese Substitute: If you're lactose-intolerant, swap out the regular cream cheese for a dairy-free version made from almond or coconut milk.
• Caramel Sauce: If you don’t want to make caramel from scratch, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. However, making it yourself allows you to control the sweetness and salt levels.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and follow the same instructions for a gluten-free version of these bars.
• Add Nuts: For a bit of texture, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts between the crust and the filling layer before baking.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let's walk through the process of creating these amazing Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars step by step.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges slightly for easier removal later.

2. Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one large egg. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling

In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully combined. Slowly mix in the powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, thick filling.

4. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

While the filling is resting, make the salted caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar by stirring constantly until it turns into a golden liquid. Be careful not to burn the sugar. Once fully melted, add the butter and stir until melted and incorporated. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, continuing to stir. Finally, stir in the sea salt. Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Layer the Filling and Caramel

Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the filling. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the caramel into the filling to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-mix; you want distinct swirls of caramel throughout.

6. Bake the Bars

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should be golden, and the edges will be set, but the center should still be slightly gooey. It will firm up as it cools. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.

7. Cool and Cut

Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to set. After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

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

Here’s a recap of the essential steps for making these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars:

1. Prepare the Crust: Mix yellow cake mix, melted butter, and an egg. Press into the bottom of your baking dish.
2. Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese, eggs, butter, and powdered sugar into a smooth, thick batter.
3. Prepare the Caramel: Melt sugar, mix with butter, heavy cream, and salt to create a rich salted caramel sauce.
4. Layer and Swirl: Pour the filling over the crust, then swirl the caramel into the top layer.
5. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the center is still slightly gooey.
6. Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool, refrigerate, and then cut into squares for serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making these indulgent bars can be a breeze as long as you avoid these common mistakes:

• Overbaking: One of the key features of these bars is their gooey center, so be careful not to overbake them. The center should still jiggle slightly when you take them out of the oven.
• Not Cooling Properly: Don’t skip the cooling and chilling steps. The bars need time to set in the fridge to achieve the right texture.
• Rushing the Caramel: Caramel can be tricky to make. Don’t rush the process, and be sure to stir constantly to avoid burning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

To elevate your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top. If you want to keep things simple, a light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a touch of elegance.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature for a soft and gooey texture, or slightly chilled for a firmer bite. They make the perfect dessert for potlucks, picnics, or even as an after-dinner treat with a cup of coffee or tea. For a more formal occasion, cut them into smaller squares and place them on a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Get creative with your presentation by trying out some of these ideas:

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: Right before serving, drizzle some additional salted caramel sauce over each bar for added visual appeal and flavor.
• Salt Garnish: Sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt on top of each bar to highlight the salted caramel element.
• Serve with Ice Cream: For a truly decadent experience, serve each bar warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream on the side.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

Here are some extra tips to make sure your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars turn out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting, as this will help create a smoother filling.
• Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper to line your baking dish makes removing and cutting the bars much easier.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, making them perfect for prepping before a big event.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely. Store-bought caramel can save time, though making it from scratch gives you more control over the flavor.

Q: How long will these bars last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these bars will last for up to 5 days.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, feel free to double the recipe and use a larger pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

There you have it—delicious Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars that are perfect for any occasion. With their buttery crust, gooey cream cheese filling, and sweet-salty caramel, these bars are bound to become a favorite dessert in your household. Follow this recipe, avoid common mistakes, and get creative with your presentation for a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone. Enjoy baking!

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