Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Indulge in the Richness of Salted Caramel Bliss

1. Prepare the Buttery Crust:
   • Begin by combining the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Use a mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until they form a creamy consistency.
   • Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and continue beating until fully combined. Gradually incorporate the flour into the mixture and mix until a smooth dough forms.
2. Create the Base Layer:
   • Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Press one-third of the prepared dough evenly into the pan to create a firm bottom crust.
   • Place the remaining dough in the refrigerator to chill while you preheat the oven to 325°F.
3. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven until it becomes firm and the edges achieve a pale golden brown color, approximately 20 minutes. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes.
4. Craft the Decadent Caramel Filling:
   • While the bottom crust is baking and the remaining dough is chilling, prepare the caramel filling. In a saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramel candies, milk (or cream/half and half), and vanilla essence. Cook and stir the mixture over low to medium heat until the caramels completely melt and the filling is smooth. Alternatively, you can use short bursts in the microwave to melt the caramel mixture.
5. Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection:
   • Pour the luscious caramel filling over the cooled crust, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle a generous amount of coarse sea salt over the caramel layer for that delightful salty-sweet contrast.
   • Retrieve the chilled dough from the refrigerator and crumble it evenly over the caramel filling. If the chilled dough is too solid to crumble, simply place it on a cutting board and chop it into desired-sized pieces for the topping.
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake until the caramel filling is bubbly and the crumbled shortbread topping turns firm and achieves a light golden hue, typically around 25 to 30 minutes.
6. Cool and Savor the Decadence:
   • Allow the baked bars to cool completely before cutting them into delectable squares. Each bite promises a symphony of buttery goodness and heavenly caramel flavors.

With this exquisite recipe for Salted Caramel Butter Bars, elevate your dessert game and treat your taste buds to a divine culinary experience like never before!