The Ultimate Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

When summer heat calls for an irresistible salted caramel butter cake bars treat, magical moments emerge from simple ingredients.

Sweet aromas will dance through kitchen spaces, promising delectable surprises.

Creamy layers melt with delightful complexity, blending rich textures that surprise and delight.

Crumbly edges hint at decadent indulgence waiting to unfold.

Each bite promises a symphony of buttery smoothness and caramel intensity.

Chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts will find themselves captivated by these extraordinary bars.

You cannot resist diving into this mouthwatering experience that transforms ordinary afternoons into sweet celebrations.

Storage Tips for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Place individual bars in freezer-safe containers or wrap each bar separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit in the refrigerator overnight. For quick thawing, leave at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• What ingredients make this cake unique?

The combination of yellow cake mix, cream cheese, caramel sauce, and sea salt creates a rich, decadent dessert with contrasting sweet and salty flavors.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

No, it’s very easy and beginner-friendly. You simply mix cake mix, cream cheese, and caramel sauce, then layer and bake in one pan.

• Can I use a different type of salt?

Sea salt works best for this recipe, but you can substitute kosher salt or flaky salt if needed. Just use a light sprinkle to enhance the caramel’s sweetness.

• How do I know when the cake bars are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown top and a set center. The edges should be slightly pulled away from the pan, and the middle should not jiggle when gently shaken.

What Makes Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Irresistible

• Simplify Baking: Minimal ingredients and basic mixing steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, eliminating complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Rich caramel and buttery cake base create an irresistible sweet treat that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
• Quick Preparation: One-bowl mixing method and straightforward instructions mean you can prepare this dessert rapidly, reducing kitchen time and cleanup.
• Decadent Flavor Combination: Sea salt sprinkle elevates the traditional sweet cake bars, adding a sophisticated touch that transforms an ordinary dessert into a gourmet experience.

Ingredients for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Yellow Cake Mix: A convenient foundation that provides sweetness and structure to the dessert bars.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the cake base ingredients together.
• Eggs: Provide moisture and help create a cohesive texture for the cake layer.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy layer that adds richness and creaminess to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
• Caramel Sauce: Introduces a deep, sweet flavor and creates a luxurious swirl in the topping.
• Eggs: Help set the cream cheese layer and provide additional structure.

• Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness and adding a gourmet touch to the cake bars.

How to Make Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan and Oven

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Warm up the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Cake Base Layer

• Yellow cake mix
• Melted butter
• Eggs

Knead the ingredients until a soft dough forms. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth base layer.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Caramel Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Remaining eggs
• Caramel sauce

Beat the ingredients until the mixture becomes silky and well-incorporated. Gently pour this luscious filling over the cake base, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Add Salty Finishing Touch

Sprinkle sea salt across the top of the creamy layer, ensuring a balanced sweet and salty flavor profile.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden color and the center sets firmly.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, slice into delectable bars and serve.

Pro Tips to Nail Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Select Premium Cake Mix: Choose a high-quality yellow cake mix for the best texture and rich flavor in your bars.
• Prevent Sticking Smartly: Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of the cake bars.
• Salt with Precision: Sprinkle sea salt sparingly to enhance the caramel's sweetness without overpowering the dessert.
• Chill for Clean Cuts: Refrigerate the cooled cake for 30 minutes before slicing to get neat, picture-perfect bars.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for a golden top and slightly firm center to ensure perfect baking without overcooking.

Variations to Try for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Gluten-Free Caramel Delight: Replace yellow cake mix with gluten-free cake mix and use certified gluten-free ingredients for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Swap caramel sauce with rich chocolate sauce and add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for a decadent chocolate experience.
• Vegan Caramel Dream: Use plant-based butter, vegan cream cheese, egg replacer, and dairy-free caramel sauce to create a completely animal-product-free dessert bar.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars

• Elevate Sweet Indulgence: Perfectly Paired Delights
• Sip Salted Caramel Latte: A warm, creamy coffee companion that mirrors the cake's rich caramel notes and balances its sweetness with smooth espresso undertones.
• Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Cool, silky vanilla creates a luxurious contrast against the warm, gooey cake bars, enhancing the dessert's decadent texture.
• Match with Aged Tawny Port: Sophisticated wine pairing offers deep caramel and nutty flavor profiles that beautifully echo the cake's buttery, sweet essence while providing a gentle alcohol warmth.
• Refresh with Sparkling Moscato: Light, bubbly white wine cuts through the dessert's richness, delivering a playful, sweet counterpoint with delicate fruit undertones.

Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel butter cake bars deliver pure indulgence with layers of rich, buttery goodness and silky caramel. Sweet meets salty in this irresistible dessert that will have you craving another bite before finishing the first.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted
• 4 eggs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce

Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and ready a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light greasing.
2. Craft the foundational layer by thoroughly mixing yellow cake mix, melted butter, and two eggs until a cohesive dough forms, then gently press the mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even, compact base.
3. Create the luxurious cream cheese layer by whisking softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, remaining two eggs, and caramel sauce until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Carefully cascade the cream cheese mixture over the initial cake mix foundation, spreading it uniformly to cover the entire surface.
5. Delicately sprinkle sea salt across the top of the layered dessert, providing a sophisticated flavor contrast.
6. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a set texture that signals perfect doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the layers stabilize and makes cutting into clean, precise bars easier.
8. Once thoroughly cooled, slice into individual bars, revealing the decadent layers of caramel, cream cheese, and buttery cake.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
• Use high-quality sea salt for a more pronounced and sophisticated flavor contrast against the sweet caramel and cake base.
• Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for an hour before serving helps them set and makes cutting cleaner, more precise squares.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix or almond flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 455 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg