Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Do you love rich, gooey desserts that melt in your mouth with each bite? Then you’ve got to try these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars! This indulgent treat combines a buttery cake base, a gooey, creamy layer of caramel, and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just treating yourself at home, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit. Keep reading to learn how to create these decadent bars step by step!

What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a dessert lover’s dream, combining two decadent layers. The base is a rich and buttery cake layer, while the top is a gooey, creamy caramel filling that’s both sweet and salty. These bars are an irresistible combination of textures, with a soft and gooey center contrasted by the slightly crisp edges of the cake. The addition of sea salt elevates the caramel flavor, cutting through the sweetness and making every bite heavenly.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Gather these ingredients to make the most indulgent salted caramel butter cake bars you’ve ever had!

For the Cake Base:

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

For the Gooey Caramel Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling on top

Substitutions and Variations

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are versatile, so feel free to customize them to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Cake Mix: While a yellow cake mix is classic, you can switch things up by using white cake mix or even chocolate cake mix for a different flavor profile.
• Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce works well, but you can use homemade caramel if you want an extra layer of richness.
• Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, you can substitute the full-fat cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative or Neufchâtel cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Add Chocolate: Sprinkle some chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra decadent twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, it’s time to dive into this easy-to-make, yet decadent dessert. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have gooey salted caramel butter cake bars in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1 large egg, and ½ cup of melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well-blended and forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Press the cake mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the base layer.

Step 2: Make the Gooey Caramel Layer

1. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, and mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and brown sugar, continuing to mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the caramel sauce and ½ teaspoon of sea salt, mixing until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the gooey caramel mixture over the cake base in the pan, spreading it evenly to cover the entire base.
2. Lightly sprinkle the top with additional sea salt for that irresistible salted caramel flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden but the center is still slightly jiggly. You want the middle to remain gooey!
2. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This will help the gooey layer firm up a bit, but it will still be delectably soft.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. For easier slicing, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is optional, but it helps the gooey layer set.
2. Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper (if lined), and cut them into squares or rectangles.
3. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of sea salt on top of each bar before serving.

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

Here’s a quick summary of how to make these gooey salted caramel bars:

1. Prepare the cake base: Mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg, then press it into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan.
2. Make the gooey caramel layer: Beat cream cheese, eggs, butter, sugars, and caramel sauce until smooth.
3. Assemble: Pour the gooey caramel mixture over the cake base and sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Bake: Bake until the edges are golden and set, but the center is still gooey.
5. Chill: Let the bars cool and chill in the fridge before slicing for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars turn out perfectly, keep these common mistakes in mind:

• Overbaking: The bars should remain slightly gooey in the center when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking can make them too dry and lose their signature gooey texture.
• Skipping the cooling process: It’s tempting to dig in while they’re still warm, but letting the bars cool (and ideally chill) will make slicing easier and allow the flavors to meld.
• Not using parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the bars, especially since the caramel layer is so sticky.
• Too much salt: While a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the flavor, be careful not to overdo it. Start with a light sprinkle and adjust to your taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are rich, decadent, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. To make them even more irresistible, consider these serving and presentation tips:

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Serve at room temperature: For the best texture and flavor, allow the bars to come to room temperature before serving, especially if they’ve been chilled.
• Pair with ice cream: For an extra-indulgent treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even salted caramel ice cream.
• Drizzle with extra caramel: For a picture-perfect presentation, drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce over the top of each bar right before serving.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Sea Salt Sprinkle: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar for a gourmet touch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some dark or milk chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the bars for a caramel-chocolate combo.
• Festive Garnishes: If serving these bars for a holiday or special event, garnish them with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your bars come out perfect every time:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the gooey layer.
• Don’t skip the chilling step: While it’s tempting to skip chilling the bars, this step helps the gooey layer set and makes slicing much easier.
• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste just as delicious (if not better!) when chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, these bars taste even better the next day as the flavors develop. You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
Absolutely. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

3. Can I make my own caramel sauce for this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you prefer to make your own caramel sauce, simply melt sugar and butter together, add cream, and cook until thickened. Let it cool before adding to the recipe.

4. Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts would add a nice crunch to these gooey bars. Simply fold them into the caramel layer before baking.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars recipe! With their buttery cake base, gooey caramel layer, and the perfect touch of sea salt, these bars are a crowd-pleaser that will disappear in no time. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share these indulgent bars with your friends and family!

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