Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of rich, buttery desserts with the perfect balance of sweet and salty, these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are sure to hit the spot. The combination of a soft, gooey butter cake base, layered with silky caramel and topped off with a sprinkle of sea salt is nothing short of divine. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to create these indulgent bars, from the ingredients to step-by-step cooking instructions, tips, and serving ideas. Read on for a mouthwatering dessert that’s guaranteed to wow your family and friends!

What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings together the rich, buttery flavors of a classic butter cake with the decadent sweetness of caramel, finished off with a pinch of sea salt. The “gooey” element comes from the cake’s soft, slightly underbaked texture, which contrasts beautifully with the sticky caramel layer. These bars are perfect for potlucks, parties, or just as an indulgent treat for yourself.

Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

For the base and the gooey topping, you’ll need:

1. For the Cake Layer:
   • 1 box yellow cake mix (around 15.25 oz)
   • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
   • 1 large egg
2. For the Gooey Butter Layer:
   • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 2 large eggs
   • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
   • 2 cups powdered sugar
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. For the Salted Caramel Layer:
   • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
   • 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (adjust according to taste)

Substitutions and Variations

Want to mix it up or make substitutions for dietary needs? No problem! Here are some variations you can try:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix. Many stores carry gluten-free versions that work just as well.
2. Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese and vegan butter. You’ll still get that rich flavor but without the dairy.
3. Add Nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, try adding a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts between the caramel and gooey butter layers.
4. Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars after they’ve cooled or add chocolate chips to the gooey butter layer for a chocolate-caramel combo.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to bake up a batch of delicious Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Layer

In a large bowl, mix together the yellow cake mix, ½ cup of melted butter, and 1 large egg. Stir until the mixture forms a thick dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create the base layer.

Step 3: Make the Gooey Butter Layer

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, gradually beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Pour the Gooey Butter Layer

Pour the gooey butter mixture over the cake layer in your baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Layer

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the gooey butter layer. You can swirl it slightly with a knife for a marbled effect if desired. Finish by sprinkling sea salt evenly over the caramel.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is just slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake – you want that gooey texture!

Step 7: Cool and Cut

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or rectangles. The longer they cool, the easier they’ll be to slice without the gooey caramel oozing out.

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

Here’s a concise breakdown of the cooking process:

1. Prep Time: 15 minutes
2. Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
3. Total Time: About 55 minutes to 1 hour

This quick and easy recipe can be whipped up in under an hour, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or satisfying a sudden craving for something sweet and salty. Just remember to allow time for cooling before serving!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Cake Layer: When mixing the cake layer, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough, dense base, rather than a soft, tender one.
2. Overbaking: The key to achieving that gooey texture is not overbaking the bars. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
3. Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and your butter is melted before mixing. Cold ingredients can lead to lumpy batter and uneven baking.
4. Forgetting the Salt: Don’t skip the sea salt! The salty contrast to the sweet caramel is what elevates these bars to the next level of flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Now that your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are baked to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve and present them to make an even bigger impression.

How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Warm or Room Temperature: These bars can be served either slightly warm or at room temperature. If serving warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per bar to bring out that gooey, melted caramel goodness.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, serve the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream paired with the warm caramel and buttery cake is a heavenly combination.
• With Coffee or Tea: These bars are rich, so pairing them with a strong cup of coffee or a fragrant tea can help balance out the sweetness.

Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Drizzle Extra Caramel: For a show-stopping presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the bars just before serving.
• Sprinkle with Extra Sea Salt: A light dusting of sea salt on top of the bars can add a decorative touch while enhancing the flavor.
• Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on the side of each bar adds a touch of elegance and creaminess to the dessert.

Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips

• Use High-Quality Caramel: Whether store-bought or homemade, using a high-quality caramel sauce will make a big difference in the flavor of your bars.
• Chill for Easy Cutting: If you find it tricky to cut the bars cleanly, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the gooey layers firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
• Store Properly: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temperature before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.

Q: Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container once they’re frozen solid. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q: What kind of caramel should I use?
A: You can use store-bought caramel sauce or homemade. If you opt for store-bought, look for a high-quality brand with simple ingredients for the best flavor.

Q: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A: Yes, but you may want to reduce the amount of sea salt you sprinkle on top to avoid an overly salty dessert.

Conclusion

These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect combination of buttery, sweet, and salty goodness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of room for customization, you’ll want to bake these bars again and again. Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and tips we’ve shared to make this dessert your own!

Now, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most decadent treats you’ll ever bake!

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