Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Looking for a dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of a classic cake with the luscious, melt-in-your-mouth experience of salted caramel? These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate treat. With a tender, buttery base and a decadent, gooey caramel center, these bars strike the perfect balance between salty and sweet. Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe will satisfy every sweet tooth. Stick around as we walk you through the entire process to create this incredible dessert, and learn tips on how to get the perfect gooey texture. Ready to dive in? Let’s bake!

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What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a delectable dessert that layers a buttery cake base with a rich and sticky caramel filling, topped with a light sprinkle of sea salt. The result is a bar that’s perfectly chewy on the edges, irresistibly gooey in the center, and balanced by the salty-sweet contrast of caramel and salt. These bars are a fantastic alternative to traditional cakes or cookies, and they’re great for sharing at parties, potlucks, or enjoying all by yourself with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Before you get started, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here's a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Cake Base:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Gooey Caramel Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (to sprinkle on top)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Extra caramel drizzle
• Flaky sea salt
• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to tweak the recipe to suit dietary preferences or change up the flavors? Here are some handy substitutions and variations you can try:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese.
• Chocolate Caramel Bars: Add a layer of melted chocolate chips between the cake base and caramel for an extra rich twist.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the caramel layer for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet caramel.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your 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 medium mixing bowl, combine 1 box of yellow cake mix, ½ cup melted butter, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture will be thick and sticky. Press this cake mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form the base layer. Set aside while you make the gooey caramel filling.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Caramel Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 2 large eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating on low speed to prevent the sugar from flying everywhere. Continue mixing until the filling is completely smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Layer the Caramel

Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, spread half of it evenly over the cake base. Next, drizzle 1 cup of salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer, making sure it's distributed evenly. Finally, carefully spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the caramel layer, ensuring the caramel is fully covered.

Step 5: Sprinkle Sea Salt

To enhance the sweet-salty balance, sprinkle ½ teaspoon of sea salt evenly over the top layer. This small touch of salt will help cut through the sweetness of the caramel, adding depth to the overall flavor.

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

Step 1: Bake

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The top should be lightly golden, but the center should still have a slight jiggle. Be careful not to overbake, as these bars are meant to be gooey in the middle.

Step 2: Cool and Set

Once the bars are baked, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. The bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to slice.

Step 3: Drizzle Extra Caramel (Optional)

For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle more caramel sauce over the cooled bars. This step is optional but highly recommended for caramel lovers!

Step 4: Slice and Serve

After the bars have cooled and set, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares. For clean cuts, wipe your knife between slices or dip it in hot water.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Cake Base: Be careful not to overmix the cake base ingredients, as this can make the bars too dense. Stir just until the ingredients come together.
• Overbaking: These bars are supposed to be gooey in the middle, so resist the urge to bake them until they're completely firm. If the center still has a slight jiggle, they’ll set up as they cool.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This will help avoid lumps in the filling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Skimping on Salt: The sea salt is a crucial element that balances out the sweetness of the caramel. Don't skip or reduce the amount unless absolutely necessary.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are incredibly rich and flavorful, so they don’t need much to make them shine. Here are a few simple tips to elevate your presentation:

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: These bars taste great both chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them for about an hour before serving.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The sweet and salty flavors of these bars make them a perfect pairing with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• Top with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle a bit more caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Sprinkle Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a beautiful visual element and intensifies the salty-sweet flavor contrast.
• Cut into Uniform Squares: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into even squares. For a cleaner cut, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: To get a smooth, lump-free filling, make sure all of your ingredients, particularly the cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature before you start.
• Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.
• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Let the bars cool completely before slicing to ensure they set properly. Rushing this step may result in messy, uneven bars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Absolutely! Once the bars are completely cooled, cut them into squares and wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What if I don't have sea salt for the topping?

If you don’t have sea salt, you can use regular table salt, but use less of it as table salt is finer and more potent. However, for the best flavor and texture contrast, flaky sea salt is recommended.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes! If you prefer homemade caramel, feel free to use it in place of store-bought caramel sauce. Just ensure that it's a thick, rich consistency to prevent the bars from becoming too runny.

Why is my caramel filling runny?

If your caramel filling seems runny, it could be due to underbaking. The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center but not be overly liquid. Also, ensure that your cream cheese mixture is smooth and not too watery before spreading it on the cake base.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a show-stopping dessert that strikes the perfect balance between gooey caramel goodness and buttery cake. With just the right amount of sea salt to elevate the sweetness, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you're making them for a party, potluck, or a simple family treat, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite of these indulgent, salty-sweet cake bars, and don’t forget to share the love (if you can)!

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