If you’re craving the kind of treat that instantly melts your troubles away, the Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars are pure dessert bliss. These bars feature layers of rich, buttery cookie and chewy caramel, making every bite a sweet and salty masterpiece. With their luscious golden top, tender crumb, and that signature sticky caramel center, they’re destined to become your go-to indulgence for bake sales, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in. You’ll love how effortlessly these bars elevate any moment!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how straightforward yet essential these ingredients are. Each one brings something special: butter gives richness, flour forms the sturdy crumb, and caramel candies deliver unmatched gooey magic. Here’s the full lineup and their roles!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): This is the backbone of the bars, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture throughout.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a light, delicate crumb in the crust.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Gives the dough a smooth, velvety finish and soft bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Brings all the flavors together and adds an aromatic boost that makes these bars utterly irresistible.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides structure, holding everything together while keeping the bars tender.
- Caramel candies (1 [11 oz] bag, unwrapped): Melt down into the star, ooey-gooey center that makes these bars legendary.
- Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Helps the caramel become velvety smooth and perfect for spreading.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and balances that sweet caramel with just the right savor.
How to Make Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars
Step 1: Prep the Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are! Then line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a nice overhang on two sides. Trust me, this step is a lifesaver when it comes time to lift out your Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars later on.
Step 2: Make the Butter Dough
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Once you’ve got that cloud-like texture, mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add in the flour, beating just until a soft dough forms. This dough is the magical base and topping for your bars.
Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust
Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Don’t worry about perfection—a little rustic charm is always welcome! Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or just until the crust turns lightly golden. This gives your bars a sturdy, buttery base for the caramel to follow.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer
While the crust bakes, grab a small saucepan and combine the unwrapped caramel candies, heavy cream, and salt. Place over low heat and stir constantly. You’re looking for the candies to melt completely into a silky, smooth river of caramel. Pour this luscious layer evenly over your just-baked crust—don’t leave any bare spots!
Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake Again
Take the remaining dough and crumble it right over the caramel layer. It doesn’t need to cover every inch—those golden pockets peek through for extra beauty. Slide the pan back in the oven and bake another 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is set and faintly golden. Patience is key: let the Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars cool completely before slicing, so each piece stays perfect.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars
Garnishes
A little sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after baking does wonders for these bars, complementing the caramel and bringing out all those buttery notes. You might also dust with a touch of powdered sugar for a pretty, bakery-style finish.
Side Dishes
Since these bars are undeniably rich, they pair well with something cool and light. Try serving them with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream to balance all that sweet, gooey glory.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars into tidy squares for a classic look, or try using a cookie cutter for fun shapes at parties. Stack them on a pedestal cake stand, wrap them in parchment for edible gifts, or tuck them into lunchboxes for an ultra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture stays soft and gooey, and the flavors even deepen a little as they rest.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars. Cut fully cooled bars, separate layers with parchment paper, and seal in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
If you love an extra-melty center, pop a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that gooey caramel magic—just be careful, because it can get hot in a flash.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candies?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade caramel recipe, use it for that middle layer. Just aim for about 1 1/2 cups of caramel sauce, and try to cool it slightly before pouring over the crust.
Do Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars need to be refrigerated?
They don’t need to be, but refrigeration will keep them fresh a bit longer and makes the caramel slightly firmer. Either room temperature or fridge works—just go with your texture preference!
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
For neat edges, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping the blade between cuts. Fully cooling the bars is also key to tidy squares, since the caramel sets as they cool.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Sprinkle chocolate chips or toasted pecans over the caramel layer before adding the top crust for an extra decadent twist on classic Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars.
How do I keep the bars from sticking to the pan?
Lining your pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang ensures you can lift the whole slab out easily for slicing. This trick makes cleanup a breeze too!
Final Thoughts
No matter the occasion, few treats stack up to the knockout combination found in Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars. They’re unfussy but unforgettable, buttery without being too much, and every bite is loaded with sweet, caramel-infused comfort. Give them a try—you’ll be the reason someone’s day just got a whole lot sweeter!
Print
Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent sweetness of these Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars. A buttery crust, rich caramel layer, and crumbly topping make these bars a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour,
For the Caramel Layer:
1 (11 oz) bag caramel candies (unwrapped), 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Crust: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour and beat until a soft dough forms.
- Prepare Base: Press half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make Caramel Layer: While the base bakes, melt the caramel candies with the heavy cream and salt in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Pour the caramel over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Add Topping: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden.
- Cool and Slice: Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of sea salt on top after baking.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
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