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
Units
Scale
- 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