1. Prepare the Butter Bar Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick.
- Spread in Pan: Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
2. Prepare the Salted Caramel Layer:
- Heat Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly. The sugar will clump together before melting completely into a clear amber liquid. Be careful not to burn the sugar.
- Add Butter: Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter pieces. Stir continuously until the butter is completely melted and incorporated.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble up vigorously. Continue to stir until smooth.
- Season with Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring over the cooled butter bar base.
3. Assemble and Chill:
- Pour Caramel: Pour the salted caramel over the cooled butter bar base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or until the caramel layer is set and firm.
4. Serve:
- Cut and Garnish: Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper (if used). Cut into squares or rectangles. If desired, sprinkle additional sea salt flakes on top for extra flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve the salted caramel butter bars chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Perfection:
- Butter Consistency: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture in the base.
- Caramel Care: Stir the caramel constantly to avoid burning and to ensure smooth consistency.
- Cool Completely: Allow the base to cool completely before adding the caramel to prevent mixing and sogginess.
Variations:
- Nutty Bars: Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the caramel layer before it sets for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavored sea salts or infuse the caramel with a touch of espresso or vanilla for added complexity.
These Salted Caramel Butter Bars are a delightful combination of rich, buttery goodness with the perfect touch of sweet and salty caramel. They’re sure to become a favorite treat for any dessert lover!