If you’re craving a rich, buttery dessert with an irresistible blend of gooey caramel and a hint of salt, these Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are exactly what you need! With a soft and buttery cake base, a gooey caramel layer, and a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness, these bars offer the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a potluck, or just as a treat for yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and results in pure indulgence. Ready to dive into a world of sweet and salty bliss? Keep reading for the full recipe and expert tips!
What Are Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are a decadent dessert made with a buttery cake layer, topped with a gooey layer of caramel and finished with a light sprinkle of sea salt. The combination of rich caramel and the slight crunch of sea salt creates an irresistible sweet-salty contrast that melts in your mouth. These bars are perfect for any dessert lover who enjoys bold flavors and a moist, gooey texture.
Ingredients List for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (or butter cake mix)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Gooey Caramel Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (1 block)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 box (16 oz) powdered sugar (about 3 ½ to 4 cups)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
These simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s indulgent, gooey, and absolutely delicious. You can use store-bought caramel sauce to save time, but homemade caramel adds an extra touch of richness if you want to go the extra mile.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some options for customizing your Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars:
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free yellow or butter cake mix to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Twist: Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips to the gooey caramel layer for a delicious chocolate-caramel combination.
- Different Caramel: Try using salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for even more salted caramel flavor, or swap it for a dulce de leche-style caramel for a different texture.
- Extra Gooey Layer: For an even gooier treat, swirl an additional ¼ cup of caramel sauce on top before baking.
- Nuts for Crunch: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the top before baking for an added crunch that complements the caramel.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out after baking.
Step 2: Make the Cake Base
In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined and a dough forms. The mixture will be thick and sticky, resembling a cookie dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Gooey Caramel Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until everything is fully incorporated.
Once smooth, gently fold in the caramel sauce. You can either stir the caramel in completely or leave it slightly swirled for a more marbled effect.
Step 4: Pour Over the Cake Layer
Pour the gooey caramel mixture over the cake layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The caramel layer will be thick but should spread easily over the cake base.
Step 5: Sprinkle Sea Salt
Lightly sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the top of the gooey layer. You can adjust the amount of sea salt to your taste — more if you love the salty-sweet contrast or less for just a hint of salt.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and set, but the center is still slightly gooey. The center may appear a bit jiggly when you take it out of the oven, but it will firm up as it cools.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before attempting to slice them. This step is crucial as it gives the gooey layer time to firm up for clean cuts. Once cooled, you can refrigerate the bars for about 30 minutes to make slicing even easier.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once the bars are fully cooled and set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice the bars into squares or rectangles, and serve!
How to Cook Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
- Make the cake base by combining cake mix, melted butter, and an egg, then pressing it into the pan.
- Prepare the gooey layer by mixing butter, cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir in caramel sauce.
- Spread and bake: Pour the gooey caramel layer over the cake base, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Cool and slice: Let the bars cool completely before slicing for the perfect gooey texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: The key to these bars is their gooey center. Be sure not to overbake them — the center should still be slightly jiggly when you take the pan out of the oven. Overbaking will result in a dry, cakey texture.
- Not Cooling Completely: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the bars cool fully allows the gooey layer to set. If you slice too early, the bars may fall apart and become too messy to handle.
- Skimping on the Salt: Don’t be afraid to sprinkle a good amount of sea salt on top. The salty contrast is what makes these bars so special, enhancing the sweetness of the caramel and balancing the flavors.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Drizzle Extra Caramel: For an added touch of decadence, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. This adds another layer of gooey goodness!
- Add Whipped Cream: Serve the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
- Top with Nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top of the gooey layer before baking for extra texture.
How to Serve Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
These bars are best served slightly chilled, as the gooey layer will firm up in the fridge. Serve them as a standalone dessert or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They are perfect for sharing at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, and you can even package them in decorative boxes for a sweet homemade gift.
Presentation Ideas for Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
- Rustic Platter: Serve the bars on a wooden or marble board for a rustic, homemade vibe. Arrange the squares neatly and drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a finishing touch.
- Fancy Dessert Plates: Place individual bars on small dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Gift-Ready: For gifting, wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie them with twine. You can also pack them in small boxes lined with parchment paper for a more polished look.
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter for the gooey layer are softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy filling.
- Control the Salt: If you're not a fan of overly salty-sweet treats, start with a light sprinkle of sea salt and taste as you go. You can always add more after baking if needed.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. In fact, they taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars?
A: Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature.
**Q: How long
do these bars last?**
A: When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars will last up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular yellow cake mix, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of these bars.
Conclusion
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate dessert for those who love the balance of sweet and salty flavors. With their buttery cake base, gooey caramel layer, and the perfect sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are an indulgent treat that’s sure to please. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for yourself, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers delicious results every time. Try it out today, and get ready to enjoy a truly irresistible dessert!
PrintGooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars Recipe
This Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars recipe offers the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and buttery goodness. With a rich, buttery cake base, a gooey layer of caramel, and a touch of sea salt, these bars make a decadent dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for potlucks, parties, or when you crave something indulgent and irresistible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16-20 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- For the Gooey Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Cake Base: In a bowl, mix the cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Gooey Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until fully combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Assemble: Pour half of the gooey layer mixture over the cake base. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the gooey layer and sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Pour the remaining gooey layer mixture over the caramel, spreading gently to cover.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set but the center remains slightly gooey.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sea salt to your preference.
- Let the bars chill in the fridge for cleaner slices.
- You can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 280mg
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