Kristy Cook
Rich, buttery bars layered with creamy salted caramel and a crumbly topping, perfect for any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
Unsalted butter, softened: 1 cup (2 sticks)
Granulated sugar: ½ cup
Powdered sugar: 1 cup
Vanilla extract: 1 tbsp
All-purpose flour: 2 cups
Caramel candies: 1 package (11 oz), unwrapped
Heavy cream: ⅓ cup
Vanilla extract (for caramel): ½ tsp
Coarse sea salt: 1 tsp
Directions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare Dough:
In a mixer bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed until creamy.
Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Add all-purpose flour and mix on low speed until the dough becomes smooth.
Bake Crust:
Press ⅔ of the dough into an even layer in the prepared pan.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges are golden. Refrigerate the remaining dough while baking.
Prepare Caramel Sauce:
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave for 1 minute.
Stir and continue to heat in 30-second intervals until melted.
Add vanilla extract and set aside until the crust is done baking.
Assemble Bars:
Remove crust from the oven and top with caramel sauce. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, leaving it in crumbles without pressing or spreading.
Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Store in an airtight container.
Enjoy these decadent Salted Caramel Butter Bars for a delightful treat! 
