If there’s one dessert that’s impossible to resist, it’s these Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars. They’re like the lovechild of a chewy cookie and a decadent caramel treat, with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth base that’s topped with rich, gooey caramel. Seriously, this is one of those desserts that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, and for good reason. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
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Why You’ll Love Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars
These caramel butter bars are everything you want in a dessert: rich, sweet, and totally indulgent. Here’s why they’re a must-make:
Caramel Lovers’ Dream: The gooey caramel topping is truly the star here. Sweet, slightly chewy, and perfectly sticky, it’s everything caramel dreams are made of.
Buttery Perfection: The base is soft and buttery, offering a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs beautifully with the caramel topping.
Simple to Make: No complicated techniques here! These bars come together quickly, and most of the ingredients are pantry staples, which makes it easy to throw together even on a busy day.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re making them for a family get-together, a party, or just as a special treat for yourself, these bars will disappear fast. They’re that good.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy caramel butter bars:
Butter: The key ingredient for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth base. You can’t skimp on butter here—it’s what makes these bars so irresistible.
Brown Sugar: This gives the bars their signature sweetness and adds depth to the flavor. The molasses in brown sugar creates a beautiful caramelized taste.
Flour: The base of the bars. It helps hold everything together, creating that soft, chewy texture.
Eggs: These help bind the ingredients and give the bars a light, cakey texture while keeping them moist.
Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla extract enhances the flavor, giving the bars a warm, comforting note.
Baking Powder: Helps the bars rise slightly, giving them that perfect density.
Caramel: This is what makes these bars “ooey gooey.” Caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce will work wonders here. It’s sweet, sticky, and just irresistible.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s get started on these delicious bars:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly, so you get that perfect chewy texture.
2. Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they’ve baked.
3. Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter and brown sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, then mix until well combined. Finally, stir in the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
4. Press the Mixture into the Pan: Spread the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to press it down into an even layer, making sure the base is packed tightly.
5. Bake the Base: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the base is lightly golden and firm to the touch. You don’t want it to be too soft, but it should be just set so that it can hold the gooey caramel topping.
6. Prepare the Caramel Topping: While the base is baking, melt the caramel in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, pour the caramel evenly over the baked base. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the caramel to set.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares. The caramel needs time to firm up, so don’t rush it!
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled, cut into squares and serve! These bars are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
How to Serve Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars
These bars are perfect on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, here are some serving ideas:
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the rich, gooey caramel.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the warm, gooey caramel bars for a sweet treat.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle some melted chocolate over the bars for a touch of extra sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Fresh Berries: Serve with some fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to cut through the sweetness and add a refreshing element.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make sure these bars turn out perfectly:
Don’t Overbake the Base: Keep an eye on the base as it bakes. If you overbake it, it can become too dry, and we want it to stay soft and chewy.
Use Homemade Caramel: If you have the time, making your own caramel sauce can take these bars to a whole new level. The homemade stuff is richer and more flavorful than store-bought.
Storage: Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They’ll stay gooey and delicious for days!
Freeze for Later: These bars freeze beautifully! Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw overnight at room temperature.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought caramel sauce works just fine, but homemade caramel can add a richer, more complex flavor.
Q2: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A2: You can use white granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, but it will change the flavor slightly. Brown sugar gives these bars their signature rich caramel flavor.
Q3: Can I add nuts to the bars?
A3: Yes! Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, would be a delicious addition to these bars. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.
Q4: How do I store leftover bars?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes, if you need a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and use a bigger baking pan. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q6: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A6: You can substitute the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Just make sure the caramel sauce is also gluten-free if you’re using store-bought.
Q7: Can I make the caramel topping ahead of time?
A7: Yes! You can make the caramel ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before pouring it over the bars.
Q8: How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?
A8: If your caramel hardens too much while cooling, you can gently reheat it until it becomes soft and pourable again.
Q9: How do I know when the base is done?
A9: The base should be golden around the edges and firm to the touch in the center. It’ll firm up more as it cools.
Q10: Can I use a different type of pan?
A10: You can use a different size pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the batter. Make sure it’s evenly spread out in the pan.
Conclusion
These Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars are the ultimate comfort food. With a buttery base, a rich caramel topping, and a chewy texture that’s just to die for, they’ll quickly become your new favorite treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a sweet indulgence, these bars will never disappoint. Enjoy!
Print
Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars are decadent, rich, and indulgent with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base, a luscious caramel filling, and a delightful crunchy topping. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the base of the bars.
- Bake the base for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.
- While the base is baking, prepare the caramel filling. In a small saucepan, combine the caramel sauce and sweetened condensed milk. Heat over low heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Once the base has finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the caramel mixture over the warm base.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top (if using). Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is set and the edges are golden.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- If you want to make these bars extra rich, top with a little bit of sea salt before baking.
- For a thicker caramel filling, add more caramel sauce or sweetened condensed milk to taste.
- Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg