Irresistible Caramel Butter Bars: Your New Favorite Easy Bar Dessert Recipe
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Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Caramel Butter Bars, a truly unexpected and utterly delicious easy bar dessert that will quickly become a household favorite. Imagine a rich, buttery, and irresistibly soft crust that forms the perfect foundation. This delightful base is generously filled with a layer of luscious, gooey caramel, then crowned with a perfectly golden and slightly crunchy crumble topping. The combination of textures and flavors in these bars creates an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make, making them ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant potlucks. Forget complicated desserts; these caramel butter bars deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Why These Caramel Butter Bars Are a Must-Try
There are countless reasons why these caramel butter bars deserve a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Firstly, their simplicity is unmatched. Utilizing a boxed yellow cake mix as a clever shortcut, we eliminate the need for measuring multiple dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents. This saves precious time and ensures consistent results every time, even for beginner bakers. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply divine. The buttery crust perfectly complements the sweet, melt-in-your-mouth caramel, creating a harmonious blend that’s deeply satisfying without being overly rich.
Moreover, these bars are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up with a sprinkle of sea salt for a sophisticated twist, or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate dessert experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to satisfy a sweet craving, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a party, or a comforting bake for a cozy evening, these caramel butter bars fit the bill perfectly. They store well, travel easily, and are guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Get ready for compliments, because these bars are truly special.
Caramel Butter Bars Ingredients Explained
One of the beauties of this recipe is that it requires just a few basic ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your pantry. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor profile of these irresistible bars.
- Box Yellow Cake Mix: This is our secret weapon for a wonderfully tender and flavorful crust without the fuss. While any yellow cake mix brand will work, choosing one you enjoy can make a difference in the subtle flavor notes. It provides a reliable base and saves you from measuring flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Water: Essential for bringing the cake mix, butter, and egg together to form a workable dough for the crust.
- Butter: Softened butter is key to achieving that rich, buttery flavor and tender texture in the crust. Using good quality butter will elevate the taste of your bars significantly.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the crust, adding moisture and helping to create a cohesive dough.
- Bag Caramel Bits Candies: These convenient, meltable caramel pieces are the star of our gooey filling. They are specifically designed to melt smoothly, providing a consistent, luscious caramel layer. While you can find them at most grocery stores, it’s worth noting that using other types of caramel (like firm caramel candies or homemade caramel) might require adjustments to the heavy cream ratio or melting method to achieve the same consistency.
- Heavy Cream: This is combined with the caramel bits to create a smooth, pourable, and incredibly rich caramel sauce for the filling. It prevents the caramel from becoming too stiff once cooled.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the caramel layer, complementing the other flavors beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch of salt in the caramel mixture balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the caramel, preventing it from tasting one-dimensional. Don’t skip this!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Caramel Butter Bars
Making these caramel butter bars is a breeze, largely thanks to the clever use of a yellow cake mix that acts as a convenient shortcut. This recipe skips the need for individual dry ingredients like all-purpose flour and sugar, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that tastes like it took hours!
1. Prepare the Crumbly Crust
Begin by combining your yellow cake mix, water, softened butter, and a single egg in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Mix these ingredients thoroughly for about two minutes. You can achieve this using a KitchenAid stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Don’t be alarmed if the mixture still appears crumbly after two minutes; this is the desired consistency for our unique crust and crumble topping. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before proceeding.
2. Form the Base Layer
Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Take approximately two-thirds of the prepared crumbly crust mixture and press it firmly and evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. This will form the base of your bars. Make sure to reserve the remaining one-third of the crust mixture to be used as a delicious crumble topping later. Bake this bottom crust in the preheated oven for about 11 minutes. This par-baking step helps create a sturdy foundation that won’t become soggy when the caramel is added.
3. Prepare the Luscious Caramel Filling
While your crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the gooey caramel filling. In a microwave-safe bowl (I find these little mixing bowls very useful), combine the caramel bits candies, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. Be patient and stir well to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is fully incorporated and glossy. This method creates a perfectly pourable caramel that will set beautifully.
4. Assemble and Bake the Layers
Once the 11 minutes for the bottom crust are up, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately pour the warm, melted caramel mixture evenly over the hot crust, spreading it to cover the entire surface right up to the edges. Next, take the remaining one-third of the crumbly crust mixture that you reserved earlier and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer. This will form the delightful golden crumble topping. Return the baking dish to the oven.
5. Final Bake and Cooling
Continue baking the bars for another 13-15 minutes, or until the crumble topping turns a beautiful golden brown. The caramel underneath should be bubbly around the edges. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven. This next step is crucial for perfect bars: let them cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to cut them. The caramel needs time to set, otherwise, your bars will be a delicious, but messy, puddle. Cooling can take a few hours at room temperature, or you can speed it up by placing them in the refrigerator for about an hour. Once completely cooled and set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the dish, then cut them into individual squares. Serve and enjoy your homemade caramel butter bars!
Tips for the Perfect Caramel Butter Bars
Achieving bakery-quality caramel butter bars is simple with a few helpful tips. Firstly, ensure your butter is truly softened for the crust mixture. Butter that’s too cold won’t incorporate properly, leading to a lumpy dough, while melted butter will make the crust too oily. Aim for room temperature, where it gives slightly when pressed. Secondly, when pressing the bottom crust, use the bottom of a flat glass or a measuring cup to get an even and compact layer. This prevents crumbs from falling apart after baking.
For the caramel layer, don’t rush the melting process. Microwaving in short intervals and stirring diligently is key to preventing the caramel from scorching. If you prefer not to use a microwave, you can melt the caramel bits and heavy cream gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Lastly, resist the urge to cut the bars before they are completely cool. This is arguably the most important tip. The caramel needs to firm up to create clean, defined squares. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes after they’ve mostly cooled on the counter can help achieve beautifully neat cuts.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These caramel butter bars are best stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture, as the caramel will soften slightly. For extended storage, these bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
Caramel butter bars are fantastic on their own, but you can elevate the experience with various serving suggestions. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, or for a more decadent treat, drizzle them with a bit of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt (for a salted caramel flair) just before serving. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as a delightful accompaniment to a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a touch of fruitiness, consider serving them alongside fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.
Recipe Variations to Explore
While the classic caramel butter bar recipe is perfect as is, there’s always room for creativity and customization. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure: For a nutty twist, try adding half a cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the reserved crumble topping before sprinkling it over the caramel. This adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. If you’re a chocolate lover, a drizzle of melted dark, milk, or white chocolate over the cooled bars would be absolutely divine. Simply melt your preferred chocolate and pipe it in a zig-zag pattern across the top.
You can also experiment with different cake mix flavors for the crust. A spice cake mix would offer a warm, autumnal flavor profile, while a chocolate cake mix would create a chocolate-caramel dream. Just remember that the flavor of the crust will influence the overall taste. For a richer, homemade caramel, feel free to substitute the caramel bits and heavy cream with your favorite homemade caramel sauce recipe, ensuring it’s thick enough to set but still gooey. Lastly, consider adding a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or toffee bits along with the top crumble for extra texture and flavor. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Butter Bars
Here are answers to some common questions you might have while making these delicious bars:
Can I use a different size baking dish?
Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust baking times. An 8×8 inch pan yields thicker bars. If using a 9×13 inch pan, your bars will be thinner, and the baking time for both the crust and the final bake will likely be shorter (perhaps 8-9 minutes for the crust and 10-12 minutes for the final bake). Keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking.
Can I make my own caramel from scratch?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, you can definitely use it. Just ensure it’s a pourable consistency when warm and will set to a soft, chewy texture when cooled. You might need to adjust the amount to ensure adequate coverage for the bars.
What if my caramel is too thick or too thin?
If your caramel mixture seems too thick after melting, add another tablespoon of heavy cream and stir until it reaches a pourable consistency. If it’s too thin, it might be due to too much cream or not enough caramel bits; chilling the bars thoroughly will help it set better.
Can I freeze these caramel butter bars?
Yes, these bars freeze wonderfully! Once completely cooled and cut, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
How can I make clean cuts?
The key to clean cuts is patience and a sharp knife. Ensure the bars are completely chilled, preferably from the refrigerator. Use a long, sharp knife, wiping the blade clean with a warm, damp cloth after each cut to prevent sticking and dragging caramel.
Discover More Delicious Bar Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and deliciousness of these caramel butter bars, you’ll be thrilled to know I have a passion for creating simple and satisfying bar desserts. They are perfect for sharing, easy to transport, and always a hit. Here are a few more of my absolute favorite bar recipes that I encourage you to try next:
Monster No Bake Cookie Bars
Christmas Crack Toffee Bars
No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
Caramel Butter Bars
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Ingredients
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3 tbsp water
- 6 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 egg
Caramel mixture
- 11 oz bag Caramel Bits Candies
- 3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- To a medium-sized bowl, add in the yellow cake mix, water, butter, and egg. Mix well for about two minutes. This mixture will be crumbly.
- Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray. Press about 2/3rd of the crust mixture to the bottom of the baking dish, leaving about 1/3 of the crust to use later. Bake for 11 minutes.
- While baking, start on the caramel layer. To a microwave-safe bowl, add in the caramel bits and heavy cream and microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after every time, until the caramel is melty.
- Once the crust has baked for 11 minutes, take it out of the oven and pour the caramel over the top. Spread it out evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of crust evenly over the caramel and return to the oven.
- Bake for 13-15 minutes or until the top crumble is golden. Let cool completely, then cut into bars and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.