Description
These Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars combine a buttery cake crust with a rich, creamy cream cheese layer, topped with luscious caramel sauce and a hint of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. Easy to make and incredibly indulgent, they are ideal for dessert lovers looking for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg until well combined.
- Form the Crust: Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add 2 eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter to the cream cheese. Beat together until fully combined.
- Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture while mixing until smooth and lump-free.
- Assemble Layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
- Add Topping: Drizzle caramel sauce evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle Salt: Evenly sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel to enhance flavor with a balanced salty note.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should be slightly gooey for that perfect gooey butter bar texture.
- The sea salt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness—adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For easier cutting, chill bars before slicing.
