Description
Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 box yellow cake mix
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
For the filling:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 cups powdered sugar
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/2 tsp sea salt
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Stir until a dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter, mixing until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, then sprinkle with sea salt.
Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the caramel layer and spread it evenly.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set but the center is still slightly gooey. Let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 16 bars
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Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the entire box of yellow cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and one egg. Stir vigorously until a thick, cohesive dough forms. Press this dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
3. Create the Filling: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add the two eggs, vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup melted butter, mixing until just combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, beating on low speed to incorporate and then on medium until the filling is silky smooth.
4. Layer the Bars: Pour and spread half of the cream cheese filling over the crust. Drizzle the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce evenly over this layer, then sprinkle the sea salt over the caramel. Carefully pour and spread the remaining cream cheese filling on top, covering the caramel completely.
5. Bake and Cool: Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be lightly golden and set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle—this ensures a gooey texture. Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these decadent bars chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch, warm individual bars for 10 seconds in the microwave and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce. They pair perfectly with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
How-to Summary
Mix cake mix, butter, and an egg for the crust; press into a pan. Blend cream cheese, eggs, vanilla, butter, and powdered sugar for the filling. Layer half the filling, caramel sauce, and sea salt over the crust, then top with the remaining filling. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until set but slightly gooey in the center. Cool completely before slicing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cake mix flavor? Yes, spice cake or devil’s food cake mix can create delicious variations, though the flavor profile will change.
How should I store these bars? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
My center was very runny after baking. Is that okay? Yes, a slightly underbaked, gooey center is the goal. It will firm up significantly as it cools and chills.
Can I make these without a stand mixer? Absolutely. A sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease will work for the crust. For the filling, ensure the cream cheese is very soft and use a whisk to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly.
What’s the best way to cut clean bars? Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each cut. Chilling the bars thoroughly is the most critical step for neat slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Filling: Once you add the powdered sugar, mix just until smooth. Overbeating can incorporate too much air and cause cracking.
- Overbaking: Remove the bars when the center is still slightly jiggly. They will continue to set as they cool.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Cutting into warm bars will result in a messy, gooey (though tasty) puddle. Patience is key.
- Using Cold Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to avoid a lumpy filling.
Conclusion
These Gooey Salted Caramel Butter Cake Bars are the ultimate treat, masterfully balancing sweet, salty, and rich flavors with an irresistible texture. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve perfect results every time. Whether for a party, potluck, or a special homemade dessert, these bars are guaranteed to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.