If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances indulgent sweetness with a tantalizing hint of salt, the Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious treat combines a tender cake-like crust with a rich, creamy cream cheese filling, all topped with a generous drizzle of salted caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates every bite. Whether shared at a gathering or enjoyed slowly with a cup of coffee, these bars deliver pure, gooey comfort that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a special purpose, working together to create the perfect blend of texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the silky cream cheese layer and that irresistible caramel finish, these simple components come together like magic.
- Yellow cake mix: The base of the crust, bringing sweetness and soft crumb structure for a sturdy but tender foundation.
- Unsalted butter: Divided use in crust and filling, it adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and provide structure to both crust and creamy filling layers.
- Cream cheese: Softened for a smooth, velvety filling that contrasts wonderfully with the cake crust.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese filling’s flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling while ensuring a silky, lump-free texture.
- Caramel sauce: The star of the topping, adding luscious sticky sweetness and a buttery finish.
- Sea salt: Sprinkled on top for that perfect salty kick that balances the dessert’s sweetness.
How to Make Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to ensure your bars come out cleanly. In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 egg until evenly combined. Then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish to form the perfect crust base.
Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This step is key to avoid lumps and achieve that glorious gooey texture. Next, add in the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter, beating everything together until fully incorporated and silky.
Step 3: Sweeten and combine the filling
Gradually stir in the 4 cups of powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, ensuring you mix well after each addition. This slow addition helps prevent lumps and creates a thick, sweet filling that will bake into a wonderfully gooey center.
Step 4: Assemble and layer
Pour the luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared crust, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer. Now comes the fun part — drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top, then sprinkle the sea salt evenly to draw out the amazing contrast of flavors.
Step 5: Bake and cool
Bake your bars for 40 to 45 minutes, watching for golden edges and a set center that still retains a slight jiggle. Once out of the oven, be patient and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish—this restful wait is crucial for the bars to firm up to that ideal gooey texture.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt on top just before serving to amplify the salty-sweet harmony. You can also add chopped toasted pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder to enhance the visual appeal and add texture contrast.
Side Dishes
These buttery bars pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside sliced fresh berries or a bright citrus salad that cuts through the richness brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a charming dessert platter with little forks for easy sharing. Another fun idea is to layer chunks of these bars in a glass with vanilla pudding and caramel drizzle for a decadent trifle twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store any leftover salted caramel gooey butter bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them refrigerated, wrapped tightly to preserve their moist, gooey texture.
Freezing
These bars freeze exceptionally well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture retention.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the bars and revives the gooey caramel goodness without risking drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, personalized flavor that can make your bars even more special. Just ensure the sauce is at room temperature before drizzling for easy layering.
What type of cream cheese works best?
Full-fat cream cheese is ideal for this recipe to achieve the creamy, indulgent texture. Make sure it is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing and the best results.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the yellow cake mix for a gluten-free version, you can make these bars safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Can I bake the bars in smaller pans?
Yes, you can use smaller pans, but the baking time will need adjustment. Keep an eye on the bars and test doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
How salty should the sea salt topping be?
Just a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt is perfect to balance the caramel’s sweetness without overwhelming it. Adjust to your taste preference for sweet and salty harmony.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly comforting and irresistible about the Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The creamy filling, buttery crust, and luscious caramel with a sprinkle of salt create a perfect combination that’s sure to brighten any day or celebration. I encourage you to try making these bars—you will not regret turning your kitchen into a little haven of gooey, caramel bliss!
Print
Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars combine a buttery yellow cake crust with a luscious cream cheese filling, topped with rich caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. This indulgent dessert is gooey, rich, and perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Filling
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Make crust mixture: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form crust layer: Press the cake mix mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a uniform crust layer.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add remaining filling ingredients: To the cream cheese, add the remaining 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Beat these together until fully combined.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixture, beating continuously until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Assemble bars: Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust in the baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Add caramel and salt topping: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle the sea salt uniformly on top.
- Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center is set but still gooey.
- Cool: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish to firm up before slicing into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly gooey for the perfect texture.
- Letting the bars cool completely will make them easier to cut and serve.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel or Dulce de Leche for a richer flavor.
- Use sea salt for an optimal taste contrast, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
