If you’re a fan of rich, decadent desserts with a touch of salty goodness, you’re in for a treat! Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the perfect indulgence, combining layers of buttery cake with creamy, luscious caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for balance. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a crowd-pleaser, or simply craving a sweet snack, this recipe will be a go-to. Read on for everything you need to know to make the ultimate Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars – from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to pro tips for the perfect gooey texture!

What are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a dessert bar that combines a buttery, soft cake layer with a rich caramel filling. The balance of sweet and salty, coupled with a gooey texture, makes these bars irresistibly good. They’re made by layering a buttery cake base with a salted caramel filling, then topping it with more cake batter and baking until golden and gooey. The result? A decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
For the Cake Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Salted Caramel Filling:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (add more to taste if you prefer a saltier caramel)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to customize these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars? Here are some easy substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:
- Butter Substitution: Use salted butter instead of unsalted, but reduce the additional salt in the recipe by half.
- Brown Sugar Alternative: Swap light brown sugar for dark brown sugar in the caramel for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
- Extra Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel layer for a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After baking, drizzle melted chocolate over the bars for a chocolatey twist.
- Salt Level: Adjust the sea salt to your preference – for a more pronounced salty-sweet flavor, add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars is a straightforward process, but there are a few steps involved to get the perfect gooey texture. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper with non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms.
- Spread half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly to form the base layer. Set aside the remaining dough for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, and brown sugar over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and thick (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat, then stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
- Pour the warm caramel filling over the cake base, spreading it out into an even layer.
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cake batter over the caramel layer. You don’t need to cover the caramel completely; leaving some gaps creates a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake the bars for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are set. The center should still look slightly gooey – it will firm up as it cools.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Once the bars have cooled, lift them out of the pan and place them on a cutting board.
- Slice into squares and enjoy the gooey, salted caramel deliciousness!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars isn’t too complicated, but here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results:
- Overbaking: Be careful not to overbake! The bars should still be gooey in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll set a bit more as they cool.
- Skipping Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars from the dish without breaking.
- Not Mixing Caramel Well: Stir the caramel filling continuously while cooking to prevent it from burning and to keep it smooth.
- Using the Wrong Pan Size: A 9x13-inch pan is ideal for this recipe. Using a smaller pan may result in thicker bars that take longer to cook.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are perfect on their own, but with a few simple touches, you can elevate their presentation and make them even more appealing!
How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- At Room Temperature: These bars are best served at room temperature, allowing the gooey caramel to remain soft and creamy.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Berries: Add a few fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side to balance the richness.
Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
- Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For added decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the bars.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful contrast and a hint of extra sweetness.
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy the bars warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
A: Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce in place of the homemade filling. Just make sure it’s thick and not too runny, so the bars hold their shape.
Q: How do I make these bars less sweet?
A: If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cake batter by ¼ cup, and add an extra pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Q: What’s the best way to cut these bars neatly?
A: For clean slices, let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. With their buttery cake base, gooey caramel filling, and perfect hint of salt, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy night in, they’re sure to satisfy. Follow this recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget the tips to make them even more delicious! Give this recipe a try, and watch these irresistible bars disappear in no time.
PrintGooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe
This Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars recipe is an irresistible treat that combines layers of rich, buttery cake with a luscious salted caramel filling. These bars are perfect for any occasion, bringing a balance of sweet and salty flavors that dessert lovers crave. Ideal for parties or family gatherings, these bars are easy to prepare and are sure to be a hit.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
-
For the Filling:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 ½ cups salted caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- Make Filling: In another bowl, beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the yellow cake mix and beat until smooth and thick.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour half of the cake batter over the crust and spread evenly. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter, then spread the remaining batter over the caramel layer. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top.
- Bake and Serve: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and the center is set but still gooey. Let cool, then sprinkle with sea salt flakes before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For extra gooey bars, slightly underbake for a softer center.
- Use high-quality salted caramel sauce for the best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
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