Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for a showstopping treat that’s both decadent and blissfully easy to make, look no further than Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. Picture a melt-in-your-mouth, buttery crust, topped with layers of sweet cream cheese and lush caramel, kissed with a hint of sea salt. These bars are a little bit magical: they strike that perfect balance between salty and sweet, creamy and chewy, rich yet absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re planning a special dessert for friends or just craving an over-the-top indulgence, Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars never disappoint—there’s a reason they fly off the plate at every gathering!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars extra appealing is the short, sweet ingredient list. Each item here pulls its weight, building layers of flavor and ensuring the signature gooey texture that these bars are beloved for.
- Yellow cake mix: The not-so-secret shortcut to a perfectly soft, buttery crust, without extra fuss!
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich, golden flavor and makes the base tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Large eggs: Eggs give structure and create all that lovely lift and creaminess in the filling.
- Cream cheese, softened: This is what creates the signature gooey, tangy topping.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives a smooth, lush texture to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and rounds out the caramel notes.
- Jarred salted caramel sauce: Swirled into the filling for a ripple of salty-sweet goodness—plus more for an irresistible final drizzle.
- Sea salt flakes (for topping): Those final flakes of salt elevate every bite, making the flavors pop beautifully.
How to Make Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—the perfect temp for baking these bars to golden perfection. Lightly grease or, for even easier removal, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This small step makes a world of difference when it comes to lifting out the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and one egg. Stir until everything comes together in a thick, soft dough. Using your fingers or a spatula, press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms the rich, sturdy foundation for the gooey magic to come.
Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth—no lumps here! Add the remaining two eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and irresistible. Now, gently fold in that dreamy salted caramel sauce, being careful not to overmix so you get nice caramel swirls.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cream cheese mixture right over the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula so it reaches every corner. Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle—the sign of perfectly gooey bars. The top will be golden and fragrant. Resist the urge to cut immediately: let the bars cool completely in the pan to set up properly.
Step 5: Caramel and Salted Finish
Once cooled, drizzle plenty of extra salted caramel sauce across the top. For the finishing touch, shower the bars with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This final flourish isn’t just for looks—it beautifully balances the sweetness and delivers that classic Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars experience.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars
Garnishes
A generous drizzle of extra caramel and a scattering of sea salt flakes are truly non-negotiable, but you can get creative too. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy touch, or a few delicate chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream would be downright dreamy.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and satisfying, so keep side dishes light and refreshing. A bowl of fresh berries, some crisp apple slices, or a two-ingredient fruit salad provide a lovely counterpoint to their creamy decadence. If you’re hosting, a cup of hot coffee or tea is the perfect way to round out dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
If you really want to impress, stack the Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars in a tall tower on a cake stand, or serve individual pieces in parchment wrappers tied with twine for a rustic, picnic-ready vibe. For parties, you can cut them into tiny squares and insert toothpicks for bite-sized treats that will vanish in minutes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars keep wonderfully in the fridge. Just cover the pan tightly with foil or transfer cut bars to an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. In fact, they’re even easier to slice and serve when cold!
Freezing
Want to make these ahead of time or save a stash for caramel emergencies? Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their gooey charm in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or let sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Reheating
If you love your treats a little warm, you can microwave a bar for just 10–15 seconds. The caramel will get gloriously melty, and the whole kitchen will smell incredible. Be careful not to overheat, as the gooey center is delicate and you want to keep that signature texture just right.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of jarred?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds an extra depth of flavor to Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. Just make sure your caramel is cooled to room temperature before mixing it in, so it blends smoothly with the creamy filling.
Do I need to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling is highly recommended for cleaner, neater bars. Cooling in the pan helps everything set and makes for easy, tidy slices that hold their shape when served.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can! Simply substitute the yellow cake mix with your favorite gluten-free cake mix, and double-check that your caramel sauce and powdered sugar are also gluten-free. The results are just as luscious.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
If you’re baking for a party, you can absolutely double all ingredients and use two pans. Since they’re so rich, you can even cut the bars into smaller squares for bite-sized treats without losing any gooey appeal.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The center should look set but still have a subtle wobble when you lightly jiggle the pan. The top will be gently golden brown. This guarantees the luscious, gooey texture you’re after in Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tasted Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars yet, you are genuinely in for a treat. With their rich caramel swirls, creamy filling, and that sprinkle of flaky sea salt, they’re destined to become a new favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—grab your cake mix and bake up a tray for yourself or someone you love!
Print
Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of these Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. A buttery cake mix crust topped with a luscious cream cheese filling swirled with salted caramel, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings!
Ingredients
Cake Mix Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup jarred salted caramel sauce
Topping:
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix cake mix crust: Combine cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg in a bowl. Press into pan.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold in caramel sauce.
- Assemble and bake: Pour cream cheese mixture over crust. Bake for 35–40 minutes until set. Cool in pan.
- Finish: Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle sea salt. Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use homemade caramel.
- Chill bars before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
