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Easy Salted Caramel Bars

Close-up of stacked salted caramel dessert bars with a shortbread crust and flaky sea salt topping.
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A simple recipe for delicious salted caramel bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey caramel topping, finished with flaky sea salt.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  5. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
  6. While the crust is baking, prepare the caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine the packed light brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in the 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
  8. Pour the hot caramel evenly over the baked crust.
  9. Sprinkle the top generously with additional flaky sea salt.
  10. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and set.
  11. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
  12. Cut into squares and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For a richer caramel, you can use dark brown sugar.
  • Ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature to prevent seizing when added to the hot sugar mixture.
  • These bars are best enjoyed within a few days of making them.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/salted-caramel-dessert/