Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you're a fan of desserts that strike the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and buttery, these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are going to become your new favorite treat. Imagine layers of buttery cake, creamy caramel, and a touch of sea salt—all baked into rich, gooey bars that melt in your mouth. Whether you're making them for a party, a family gathering, or just for yourself (because you deserve it!), these bars are a guaranteed hit. Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and ideas to make these bars irresistible!

What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a delicious, indulgent dessert that combines the richness of butter cake with the luxurious, sweet flavor of salted caramel. These bars are made up of two main layers: a dense, buttery cake base and a gooey, sweet-salty topping that oozes with caramel goodness. The sea salt sprinkled on top gives these bars a subtle, contrasting flavor that enhances the sweetness and leaves you craving more. The texture is soft and gooey in the center with slightly crispy edges—a perfect combination!

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

To make these mouthwatering bars, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Cake Base:

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

For the Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

For the Salted Caramel Drizzle (optional):

• ¼ cup salted caramel sauce
• Sea salt flakes for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

These bars are incredibly versatile, so you can easily make substitutions or add variations based on your preferences or dietary needs:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to create a gluten-free version of these bars. Check that all other ingredients, such as caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. There are excellent plant-based options on the market that mimic the taste and texture of traditional dairy.
• Chocolate Lover's Twist: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the cake base or the filling for an extra layer of indulgence.
• Nutty Variation: For added crunch and flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before baking.
• Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the cake base for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Base

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, and the mixture is thick and slightly sticky.
3. Press the cake base mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out into an even layer. Set the pan aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Caramel Filling

1. In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and lump-free.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix well after each addition. Stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and brown sugar, mixing until the filling is smooth and creamy. Be careful not to overmix, as this could create too much air in the filling, causing the bars to puff up too much while baking.
4. Drizzle the salted caramel sauce into the filling and gently fold it in. You want to swirl the caramel through the mixture without fully blending it in.
5. Pour the gooey caramel filling over the cake base in the baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cake Bars

1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden brown, but the center is still slightly gooey. The top should be golden but not fully firm, as these bars are meant to have a soft, gooey texture in the middle.
2. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. As the bars cool, the center will firm up slightly, but they will still maintain their soft, gooey texture.

Step 4: Add the Salted Caramel Drizzle (Optional)

1. Once the bars are completely cooled, drizzle the additional salted caramel sauce over the top of the bars in a zigzag pattern. For a bit of extra flair, you can also sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes on top to enhance the salty-sweet contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure perfect results every time:

• Overbaking the Bars: One of the key elements of this recipe is the gooey center, so be careful not to overbake. The bars will firm up as they cool, so it’s okay if the center is slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven.
• Not Letting the Bars Cool Completely: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but these bars need to cool fully in order to set properly. Cutting into them too soon can cause the gooey center to ooze out too much.
• Overmixing the Filling: Overmixing the cream cheese and egg mixture can incorporate too much air, which will result in a puffed-up, less dense bar. Mix just until combined for the best texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving these decadent Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars, presentation can make all the difference. Here are some simple tips to elevate your dessert:

1. Cut with a Clean Knife: To get clean, sharp edges on your bars, dip your knife in warm water and wipe it clean between each cut.
2. Add a Whipped Cream Dollop: Serve each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
3. Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For added flair, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each bar just before serving. This will highlight the salted caramel flavors beautifully.
4. Serve Warm: Although these bars are delicious at room temperature, try warming them slightly before serving. The warmth will enhance the gooey caramel and make each bite melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

These bars are versatile and can be served in various ways depending on the occasion:

• As a Dessert Bar: Serve as part of a dessert spread at parties or gatherings. These bars hold their own among other sweet treats like brownies and cookies.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the gooey caramel filling.
• Coffee Break Treat: Enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gift-Worthy Packaging: Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie them with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Tiered Dessert Stand: Arrange the bars on a tiered cake stand for an elegant dessert table display.
• Caramel Drizzle Art: Use a piping bag to drizzle the caramel sauce in artistic swirls or patterns on top of the bars for a visually stunning presentation.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, butter, and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps everything mix together smoothly and ensures a creamy filling.
• Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. If they are too warm, the gooey center will be too runny, making it difficult to get neat slices.
• Use Good Quality Caramel Sauce: Whether you make your own or buy it from the store, using high-quality salted caramel sauce will elevate the flavor of these bars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! In fact, these bars are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can freeze them! Once cooled, cut the bars into individual portions and wrap them in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, let them thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Q: Can I use a homemade cake mix?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your cake base from scratch, you can substitute the boxed cake mix with your favorite yellow cake recipe. Just be sure the quantities match up with the recipe’s requirements.

Q: What type of caramel sauce should I use?
A: You can use store-bought salted caramel sauce or make your own at home. If using store-bought, opt for one with a rich, buttery flavor. Homemade caramel sauce will give these bars an extra-special touch if you have the time to make it.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. With their buttery cake base, creamy caramel filling, and the perfect hint of salt, these bars deliver an unforgettable flavor experience. Whether you're serving them at a party, giving them as a gift, or just treating yourself, they're sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. With these step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks, you’ll be able to bake the perfect batch of gooey, caramel-filled goodness every time. Ready to bake? Go ahead and enjoy every delicious, gooey bite!

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