Irresistible Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

Salted caramel butter cake bars spark pure magic in kitchens everywhere.

Sweet meets salty in this irresistible dessert masterpiece.

Creamy layers melt together creating an incredible sensory experience.

Decadent textures dance across taste buds with each luxurious bite.

Home bakers adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Rich caramel notes whisper delicious promises of indulgence.

Prepare to fall in love with this show-stopping treat that promises pure dessert bliss.

What Makes Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars So Addictive

• Savor Simplicity: Combining just a few basic ingredients, this recipe transforms everyday pantry staples into a decadent dessert without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser: These salted caramel butter cake bars deliver rich, indulgent flavors guaranteed to impress family and friends at potlucks, gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting caramel thickness, adding chocolate drizzles, or incorporating chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Master Quick Dessert: With minimal preparation steps and straightforward mixing techniques, anyone can successfully produce these delightful bars in less than an hour from start to finish.

Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Butter Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient baking mix that provides a rich, buttery foundation for the cake bars.
• Butter: Adds moisture and enhances the rich flavor of the cake base.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cake layer.

• Salted Caramel Topping: Brings a luxurious, sweet-and-salty flavor that complements the cake base.

• Cream Cheese, Softened: Creates a rich, creamy layer with a tangy flavor profile.
• Eggs: Helps to bind and provide structure to the cream cheese mixture.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to stabilize the cream cheese layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

How to Bake Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350°F. Grab a 9×9-inch baking pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Create The Cake Base

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Egg

Stir everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well-blended. Press this mixture evenly into the greased pan.

Step 3: Add Caramel Magic

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cake base. If the caramel is thick, warm it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it more pourable.

Step 4: Whip Up The Cream Cheese Layer

• Eggs
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix everything until it becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Layer And Bake

Pour the cream cheese mixture directly over the caramel layer. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Step 6: Watch And Wait

Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Keep an eye on the bars – you want them set but not overdone. The edges should look slightly golden.

Step 7: Cool And Slice

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, slice into delicious squares and serve.

Expert Tips for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Soften butter completely before mixing to ensure smooth, even blending in the cake base.
• Check caramel's consistency by warming it briefly in the microwave, making it easier to spread evenly across the crust.
• Prevent overbaking by watching the cake bars closely during the last 5 minutes of cooking time; look for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free cream cheese layer that integrates perfectly with other ingredients.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting of the bars, ensuring neat, picture-perfect squares.

Flavorful Variations on Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Cake Bars: Replace the Butter Yellow Cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Chocolate Lover's Variation: Swap salted caramel with rich chocolate sauce and add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for an intense chocolate experience.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace caramel with sugar-free caramel sauce, and substitute powdered sugar with a stevia-based sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel layer before adding the cream cheese mixture, adding a delightful textural element to the bars.

Pairing Suggestions for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Select a luscious port or late-harvest Riesling to complement the rich caramel and buttery cake, enhancing the dessert's sweetness with balanced acidity.
• Choose a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the cake's richness, providing a contrasting bitter note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Serve a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, creating a cool, creamy counterpoint to the warm, gooey caramel dessert.
• Prepare a homemade salted caramel latte that mirrors the cake's flavor notes, intensifying the dessert's caramel undertones with a complementary beverage.

Storage Advice for Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Refrigerate: Store cooled cake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat Refrigerated Bars: Microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on medium power to restore softness. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through.
• Room Temperature: Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor profile.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The yellow cake mix, salted caramel, and cream cheese layer combine to create a rich, decadent dessert with multiple flavor and texture experiences.

• Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, it uses simple pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it perfect for home bakers with basic cooking skills.

• Can I substitute any ingredients?

You can use different cake mix flavors like white or vanilla, and swap regular caramel for salted caramel if preferred. Ensure ingredient proportions remain consistent.

• How do I know when the bars are perfectly baked?

Look for golden edges and a slightly jiggly center. The cream cheese layer should set but not become completely firm. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter cake bars deliver rich, indulgent flavor in each delectable bite. Home bakers can easily craft these irresistible treats with simple ingredients and minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box butter yellow cake mix
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup salted caramel topping
• 3 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan with grease to ensure easy cake removal.
2. Blend the Butter Yellow Cake mix with melted butter and egg until a uniform dough forms, creating a consistent base mixture.
3. Press the prepared dough evenly across the bottom of the greased pan, ensuring complete and smooth coverage.
4. Warm the salted caramel topping briefly in the microwave if needed, then drizzle uniformly over the cake base layer.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a light texture.
6. Incorporate eggs into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
7. Gradually fold in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring until the cream cheese mixture becomes completely homogeneous.
8. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the caramel layer, spreading gently to create an even distribution.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning and maintaining a soft center.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before cutting into individual bars.

Notes

• Soften butter and cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Use a non-stick baking pan or line with parchment paper for effortless removal and clean cutting.
• Check cake bars around 30 minutes to prevent overbaking, looking for golden edges and slightly jiggly center.
• Gluten-free adaptation possible by substituting yellow cake mix with gluten-free alternative and ensuring caramel topping is gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 299
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 133 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 58 mg