If you’re searching for dessert bliss, Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars are the delicious adventure you didn’t know you needed. Imagine layers of decadent buttery cake, a river of thick caramel, and a crown of sea salt—each bar is a gooey-sweet bite with the perfect hit of salty finish. These bars make the ultimate treat for gatherings, parties, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home. The combination of tender cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and that magical caramel swirl brings serious comfort and a sprinkle of surprise with every mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars begins with simple pantry staples, each playing an important role in creating layers of flavor and texture. You won’t need anything fancy, but each component truly matters—especially when it all comes together in a gloriously gooey square.
- Yellow cake mix: This shortcut base makes the crust ultra-soft and tender with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter amplifies the richness in both the crust and creamy filling—be sure to use unsalted so you control the balance of flavors.
- Large eggs: The eggs add structure and richness to both the crust and filling, ensuring that signature gooey texture.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the powerhouse behind the velvety, decadent layer that melts into each bite.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla deepens the sweetness and adds warmth to the filling.
- Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this gives the filling its pillow-soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- Caramel sauce: Go for a thick, luscious caramel—homemade or store-bought—since thin caramel may disappear into the bars.
- Flaky sea salt: A crucial finishing touch, it transforms sweetness into a multidimensional, crave-worthy dessert.
How to Make Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting later. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and helps you achieve clean, photo-worthy bars every single time.
Step 2: Mix and Press the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork it. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This crust bakes up tender and golden, ready to cradle all the gooey goodness on top.
Step 3: Make the Dreamy Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until irresistibly smooth. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then continue beating until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Next, pour in another 1/2 cup melted butter, then gradually mix in 4 cups of powdered sugar. This will create a luscious, velvety filling that you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl the Caramel
Pour half of your cream cheese filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle all of the thick, decadent caramel sauce across this layer, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Spoon or pour the remaining filling over the top. Gently spread it so the caramel remains tucked inside, swirling slightly if you like visual drama in your bars.
Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection
Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should turn a lovely golden brown, while the center should still have a bit of a gentle jiggle when you nudge the pan. This is your key to maximum gooeyness!
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Let the Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars cool completely in the pan—a test of patience, but so worth it! Afterward, refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours (or overnight, for an insanely chewy crust). When ready to serve, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out and slice into dreamy squares. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving, and get ready for sweet applause.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars
Garnishes
The finishing flakes of sea salt are non-negotiable for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast, but you could also scatter a drizzle of extra caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar over the bars for a touch of sparkle. For extra decadence, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream amps up the wow factor at dessert time.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a bold espresso, fresh berries, or a scoop of lightly salted vanilla ice cream. These sides bring brightness and balance, contrasting beautifully with the rich, gooey layers of the bars while making your dessert spread feel extra-special.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars on a rustic wooden platter for cozy gatherings, or trim them into bite-sized squares for party trays. They’re also brilliant nestled into cupcake liners for a polished, mess-free presentation. Try cutting them into stars or hearts with cookie cutters to add a festive touch for holidays or celebrations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chill keeps the layers set and the flavors bold, and honestly, they taste even better after a day or two as the caramel and butter have time to mingle. Stack with a bit of parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange the bars (sliced or whole) in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for perfectly gooey bars anytime a caramel craving strikes.
Reheating
If you want that just-baked warmth, microwave individual bars on low for about 10 seconds—just enough to slightly soften the caramel and filling. Or, pop a tray in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to gently revive the butter and caramel aroma. Serve immediately; the gooey texture will be front and center.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel brings extra richness and flavor to your Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. Just make sure your caramel is thick and creamy (not too runny) for the best results. Let the caramel cool completely before layering.
Do I have to refrigerate the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling the bars is the secret to clean slices and the legendary chewy-gooey texture. Refrigeration helps the layers set, making them much easier to cut into perfect squares.
Can I make Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars gluten-free?
You can! Try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the classic version—everything else remains the same. The result is still ultra-gooey and satisfying but perfect for gluten-free dessert lovers.
What if I don’t have flaky sea salt?
If flaky sea salt is missing from your pantry, you can use a pinch of regular sea salt for the caramel layer. However, the flakes really do give the best bursts of flavor and the prettiest finish, so grab a box if you can!
How should I store these for a picnic or potluck?
For traveling, keep the cut bars in a single layer (or between sheets of parchment) in an airtight container. Transport them in a cooler or insulated bag if you’ll be outdoors for a while, and garnish with the extra sea salt just before serving for freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the magic of Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars—there’s nothing quite like that first bite of buttery crust, creamy filling, and salt-kissed caramel. They’re not just a dessert, but a sweet moment to share with your favorite people. Try them, and don’t forget to come back and share your own delicious twists!
Print
Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of a buttery cake crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, a layer of rich caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt in these Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars. Perfect for satisfying your sweet and salty cravings!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
For the caramel layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce, thick
- 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt, plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg to form a soft dough. Press into the pan to form the crust.
- Make the filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs, vanilla, melted butter, and powdered sugar. Pour half over crust.
- Add caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the layer, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Finish assembling: Pour remaining cream cheese mixture over the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Cool and serve: Cool completely, refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into bars. Sprinkle with additional sea salt if desired.
Notes
- For homemade caramel, cook 1 cup granulated sugar until amber, then add butter and heavy cream. Let cool before using.
- For a chewier crust, refrigerate bars overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
