Salted caramel butter bars are rich, chewy dessert bars with a buttery base, gooey caramel layer, and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. Here’s a simple homemade version:
🍯 Salted Caramel Butter Bars
🧾 Ingredients
🧈 Base layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍯 Caramel layer:
- 1 can (about 1 cup) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tbsp golden syrup or honey
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
🧂 Topping:
- Sea salt flakes (for finishing)
🔪 Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Set to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Make the base
- Mix butter and brown sugar until creamy
- Add vanilla, flour, and salt
- Press mixture evenly into the tray
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until lightly golden
3. Make the caramel layer
In a saucepan:
- Melt butter + brown sugar + condensed milk
- Stir constantly on low heat
- Add syrup/honey, vanilla, and salt
- Cook until thick and smooth (about 8–10 minutes)
4. Assemble
- Pour hot caramel over baked base
- Spread evenly
5. Bake again
- Bake for another 10–12 minutes until set and bubbling
6. Finish
- Let cool completely
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top
- Chill for 1–2 hours before cutting into bars
💡 Tips for best results
- Don’t rush cooling—clean slices need firm bars
- Use parchment paper for easy lifting
- A small pinch of salt makes the caramel flavor deeper, not salty
- Store in fridge for a firmer texture or room temp for softer chew
🔄 Variations
- Chocolate swirl: add melted chocolate drizzle on top
- Nutty version: mix chopped pecans or almonds into caramel
- Shortbread style: add extra flour for a firmer base
If you want, I can also give you a no-bake salted caramel bar version or a faster 20-minute shortcut recipe.