Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Indulge in these rich, buttery, and utterly decadent Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars! A perfect combination of sweet and salty, these dessert bars are sure to satisfy any craving. Keep reading for the ultimate recipe, complete with variations, cooking tips, and answers to common questions. This is one treat you don't want to miss!
What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect marriage between a dense, buttery cake layer and a gooey, sweet caramel filling with a touch of sea salt for balance. This dessert is a treat for those who love the combination of sweet and salty flavors. The gooey caramel layer on top of a rich buttery base creates a texture that's both chewy and melt-in-your-mouth. If you’re a fan of caramel and butter desserts, these bars will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
For the buttery base:
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the gooey caramel layer:
- 1 package (14 oz) soft caramels (about 50 pieces), unwrapped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is versatile, and there are many ways to customize it according to your taste and dietary preferences:
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Most gluten-free versions work just as well and offer the same level of gooey decadence.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes. Coconut cream can be a great alternative to heavy cream, adding a slight coconut flavor to the caramel layer, which pairs beautifully with caramel.
- Caramel alternatives: If you want to experiment, you can replace the caramel with dulce de leche or butterscotch for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: For an extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the caramel layer. A sprinkle of chocolate chips is also a welcome addition for chocolate lovers.
- Extra salty twist: Amp up the salty-sweet contrast by adding a generous pinch of flaky sea salt on top after baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the process of making these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars. Be sure to follow each step carefully to ensure your bars turn out perfectly gooey and delicious.
How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the base layer
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until well combined. The mixture will be thick and sticky, almost like cookie dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the buttery base. Set it aside.
Step 3: Melt the caramel
Place the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramels are fully melted and smooth. This will take around 2-3 minutes. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the gooey layer
In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Stir in the melted caramel mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the bars
Pour the gooey caramel mixture over the buttery base in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sea salt over the top for that essential salty kick.
Step 6: Bake the bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The center should still be a little jiggly when you remove it from the oven—that's what makes them gooey! The edges should be golden brown, and the top may have a light crust.
Step 7: Cool and sprinkle with sea salt
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, sprinkle more flaky sea salt on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 8: Cut and serve
Once cooled and set, cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich, gooey caramel goodness with a hint of salty perfection in every bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: These bars are meant to be gooey, so don’t overbake them. The center should still jiggle slightly when they’re done. Overbaking will result in dry and hard bars.
- Skipping the cooling process: It’s crucial to let the bars cool completely before cutting into them. If you cut them too soon, the gooey caramel layer may spill out and make a mess.
- Not melting the caramel thoroughly: Make sure your caramel is completely melted and smooth before adding it to the mixture. Any lumps can affect the texture of the bars.
- Using salted butter: The recipe calls for unsalted butter. If you use salted butter, you might end up with overly salty bars, especially since sea salt is already added.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key when serving these rich and indulgent treats. Here are some ideas to make your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars the star of any gathering.
How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- Serve these bars slightly chilled for the best texture. They can be stored in the refrigerator and taken out about 15 minutes before serving for a perfectly gooey bite.
- For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a show-stopping dessert presentation.
Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- For an elegant presentation, dust the tops of the bars with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
- Cut the bars into smaller, bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter lined with parchment paper for a dessert buffet or party spread.
- Garnish each bar with a small piece of sea salt caramel candy on top for an extra touch of flair.
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: The cream cheese, eggs, and butter should all be at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and even baking.
- Line the pan with parchment paper: This makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing.
- Add extra caramel swirls: For a beautiful visual effect, you can drizzle extra melted caramel over the top of the bars before baking, and use a toothpick to create swirls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars? A: Yes! These bars freeze very well. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
Q: How long do these bars stay fresh? A: When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. In the fridge, they’ll last up to a week.
Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramels? A: Absolutely! If you prefer to make your own caramel, feel free to use it in place of the soft caramels. Just make sure it’s thick enough to set properly in the bars.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger pan, such as an 11x15-inch baking dish. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the gooey center.
Q: What can I use instead of yellow cake mix? A: You can substitute yellow cake mix with a homemade cake batter if you prefer. However, the box mix simplifies the recipe and ensures a consistent buttery base.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for any sweet-and-salty lover. With their rich buttery base and decadent caramel filling, they are sure to impress at any gathering or simply as a treat for yourself. This recipe is easy to follow, with plenty of room for customization and variation. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Happy baking!
PrintGooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe
Gooey salted caramel butter cake bars are a decadent dessert with a perfect blend of sweet caramel and rich buttery cake. Made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, flour, and salted caramel, these bars are a must-try for dessert lovers. Ideal for parties, gatherings, or just a treat, this recipe offers irresistible flavors and a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Butter
- Sugar
- Flour
- Salted caramel
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix the butter, sugar, and flour to form the cake layer.
- Spread the cake mixture evenly in the dish.
- Prepare the filling by blending cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Layer the filling over the cake base and drizzle salted caramel.
- Bake until golden and gooey.
- Let it cool, slice into bars, and enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for a clean slice.
- Use high-quality salted caramel for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
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