Dessert

Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe

Bylilan Sage January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust, rich caramel, and a soft, gooey filling. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars offer a wonderful balance of sweet and salty flavors in every bite.

A close-up view of a stack of caramel-topped dessert bars sitting on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. Each bar has two clear layers: a thick, light golden-yellow top layer that looks soft and crumbly, and a darker brown bottom layer that appears dense and moist. A shiny caramel drizzle flows on top of the bars, adding a sticky, glossy texture. The bars are cut into squares, stacked unevenly to show their thickness and texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup water
1 cup sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon-sized pieces)
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (room temperature)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold and cut into tablespoon-sized pieces)
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 large egg
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the salted caramel by combining water and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then allow the mixture to boil until it turns an amber color. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter and heavy cream until smooth. Add salt and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour with 3 tablespoons sugar. Cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture is crumbly. Press this crust mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the room temperature butter with 3/4 cup sugar until fluffy. Add the light corn syrup and egg, mixing well. Gradually incorporate 1 cup flour and then stir in the evaporated milk until combined.
Step 4: Pour the batter over the prepared crust in the pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce on top. Bake for about 50 minutes, until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
Step 5: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
For a crunchier texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
Substitute evaporated milk with whole milk or cream for a richer flavor.
Store the bars in the refrigerator to keep the caramel firm and gooey.

Storage

Store the salted caramel gooey butter bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can be served chilled or at room temperature. To enjoy them warm, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of stacked dessert squares with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a dark brown crust that looks slightly crunchy. The middle layer is thick, soft, and light yellow in color, resembling a moist cake or custard. The top layer is golden brown with a bubbly texture, and it is covered with a shiny caramel drizzle that flows down the sides. Small white flakes, likely sea salt, are sprinkled on top, adding texture. The dessert squares are placed closely together on a black plate, all against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the salted caramel ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and gently warm it before using.

What can I use instead of light corn syrup?

If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup, though it may slightly alter the flavor and texture.