Salted Caramel Butter Bars

 Salted Caramel Butter Bars Directions

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 lb. salted butter (room temp)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tbs vanilla (or Princess Cake Emulsion)
• 4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Filling:

• 1 bag (14 oz.) caramel candies (unwrapped)
• ⅓ cup milk or cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 1 T. coarse sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set oven to 325°F.

2. Make the Crust:

   • In a large bowl, mix the butter and both sugars with a mixer on medium speed until creamy.
   • Add vanilla and mix until combined.
   • Sift in flour and mix on low speed until a smooth dough forms.

3. Prepare the Pan:

   • Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
   • Press one-third of the dough into the bottom of the pan to form the crust. Wrap the remaining dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator.

4. Bake the Crust: Bake for about 20 minutes, or until firm and edges are pale golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.

5. Make the Caramel Filling:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine unwrapped caramels and cream.
   • Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir until smooth. If needed, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until completely melted.
   • Stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla.

6. Assemble:

   • Pour caramel filling over the cooled crust. If using, sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.
   • Crumble the remaining chilled dough evenly over the caramel layer.

7. Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is bubbly and topping is firm and lightly golden.

8. Cool and Serve: Let cool before cutting into squares.