Caramel Butter Bars
These crazy delicious Caramel Butter Bars are a heavenly treat that is a cinch to make! You MUST think up an excuse to bake up a batch!
Layered with streusel and caramel over a shortbread crust, these Caramel Bars will thrill the caramel lovers in your life. And they may convert some who aren’t! It took me years to track down this Oatmeal Carmelitas Recipe and after one bite, you’ll understand why I never gave up!
Why You Must Make
- If you love caramel desserts as much as I do, please make this caramel dessert ASAP.
- One easy dough is used for both the crust and crumble topping.
- And a half cup of storebought caramel sauce is nestled between those two layers.
Seriously, I could not stop snacking on them!! These caramel butter bars are phenomenal, trust me. With such simple ingredients, it’s important to use a good-quality caramel sauce. Look for real ingredients like sugar, cream, and butter on the label. Prepare to be dazzled!
Ingredient Notes
- Kitchen Staples – Sugar, Flour, Powdered Sugar
- Butter – at room temperature
- Vanilla Extract – Make sure is real vanilla extract, not imitation
- Caramel Sauce – A jarred brand is fine. Check the ingredients as one with real butter and cream will be the tastiest option.
Expert Tips
These caramel cookie bars are about the simplest dessert recipe you can make. If you love caramel, these caramel butter bars are a must-make!
- The same dough is used to make the crust and to crumble over the caramel. Easy peasy. These gems can be made using just one bowl!
- Have your butter at room temperature for easy blending.
- PRO-Tip: If you really want to be precise, you can weigh out the dough so it can be accurately divided into one-third for the crust and 2/3 for the topping, but I just estimated.
- Line your baking pan with non-stick foil so the edges of the bars don’t adhere to the sides of the pan due to the sticky caramel sauce.
- PRO-Tip: Spray your liquid measuring cup with a non-stick cooking spray like Pam before measuring the caramel. It will slide out easily when you pour it over the bars.
- Then Crumble the rest of the mixture over the top of the caramel.
- PRO-Tip: Use your fingers to pinch together the dough to make some larger crumbs, if you’d like.
- And with a yummy jarred caramel sauce as the filling, there is no messing with a candy thermometer or unwrapping squares of premade caramels. You definitely don’t have to hunt down a specialty caramel sauce. But I do recommend using a premium brand for the best results.
- PRO-Tip: To find a premium brand of caramel, check the ingredients on the label for butter, cream, and vanilla. You want real ingredients for the best caramel flavor!
- Cool well before cutting into bars. You can even pop the pan into the refrigerator to chill and this will help make neater slices. Just bring to room temperature to serve.
- Try Salted Caramel Sauce to shake things up. Or just mix some sea salt into your regular caramel sauce to taste.
Everyone needs a recipe that doesn’t take oodles of time or numerous ingredients to throw together. These will thrill any caramel fans in your family…heck, they will thrill anyone you know with a sweet tooth!
How to Make
Frequently Asked Questions
These caramel butter bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Any longer, or if it’s warm in your kitchen, these bars can be refrigerated for about a week.
Yes, these bar cookies freeze well. Make sure they are cool, then place in an airtight container with parchment or waxed paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Chill them first. Then place them on a cutting board, using a ruler if necessary, and slice them into nice squares. Serve at room temperature.
The ruler is helpful to mark off 2-inch intervals on all 4 sides of the bars before slicing. You can also use the ruler to help guide you in cutting straight lines if eyeballing isn’t your strong suit.
You May Also Like
- Caramel Apple Magic Bars from Brown Eyed Baker
- Homemade Caramels
- Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars
- Chocolate Chip Caramel Butter Bars
- Caramel Chocolate Brownies
- Microwave Caramel Sauce.
- More of my Best Bar Cookies
Caramel Butter Bars Recipe
Simple flavors with delicious results! Perfect for caramel fans!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 2 cups flour
For the Filling:
- ½ cup premium jarred caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°
- In a large bowl, combine the butter and sugars. Using a hand mixer, beat butter and sugars till creamy. Add the vanilla and beat until combined. Add the flour to the butter mixture and mix on low till well combined.
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with non-stick foil (or regular foil, then spray with cooking spray). Press one-third of the dough evenly into the pan to form a bottom crust. Put the rest of the dough in the refrigerator while the crust is baking.
- Bake crust until slightly golden, about 20 minutes.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the crust and let sit for a few minutes before using an offset spatula to carefully spread it over the surface.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the caramel.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crumbled shortbread topping is firm and lightly golden about 25 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares. Place in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process if desired.
Notes
Spray your liquid measuring cup with a non-stick cooking spray like Pam before measuring the caramel.
Use your fingers to pinch together the dough to make some larger crumbs for the topping.
Recommended Products
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1 barAmount Per Serving: Calories: 227Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 127mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 2g
102 Comments on “Caramel Butter Bars”
I love all things caramel so these are my new favorite treat!! Everyone loves them!
These are fantastic! and embarrassingly easy! I added chopped peanuts to the top. The only thing I might do differently is try parchment paper instead of foil, for some reason it stuck to the foil or nothing at all just spray the bottom of the pan.
Can you use a 9×13 pan by doubling the recipe?
Hi, Jeff, Yes, that should work. It’s best to lower the oven temp (maybe 25°) and cook a little longer so the middle gets cooked and the edges don’t get too dark. Hope you enjoy!!!
I made this during a bake day with family. Somehow the timer got shut off with it inside and the oven on…and yet the entire panful was eaten. We trimmed off the more solid outside edges and put toothpicks in all the little squares. Huge hit! Thanks for the recipe. ❤️
I’m so glad you enjoyed them as much as we do, MaryBeth!!!
Omg these sound amazing! Adding some toasted pecans chopped on top of caramel layer before adding crumbled topping
Great idea, Rebecca! Hope you enjoy these cookie bars!!!
Do you have low carb and low sugar recipes. Some do not like a lot of bad sugar in their body.
Hi, Sandy, Sorry, none of my desserts are low carb or low sugar, but I do have entrees and side dishes that are healthier. I practice moderation so eat relatively healthy then have a cookie or small portion of dessert.
Made these bars and they are delicious.
Didn’t have any caramel sauce so I made my own.
I bet they were even yummier with homemade caramel sauce. Thanks for reporting back, Bob!
Just made these by substituting the spread with caramel square candies and it was delicious. Great recipe and super easy to make!
Great idea, Krissy! So glad you are enjoying these!
These wouldn’t be around long enough to freeze and I love how quickly they come together.
Buttery shortbread base plus caramel? I definitely don’t need an excuse to make this! This looks and sounds truly irresistible. Now, as a huge dulce de leche fan, I’m thinking to use this spread instead. Plus, some pecans or walnuts on top. Or simply dark chocolate drizzle. But with or without nuts, this is already an utterly delicious dessert!
Woo hoo, Liz! The bars look scrumptious! I’d take caramel over chocolate any day! And the streusel topping is perfect for them! Yummy!!!
Hi Liz, I really want to make these but can I also put a layer of diced apples in with the caramel sauce? I’ve got both left over and I was wondering if it would work.
Hi, Mrs. Key, I think if you sauteed the apples first it would work. I’m not sure they’d get cooked through otherwise, plus the extra liquid from uncooked apples could make the bars soggy. Maybe put on half the bars to see if it works? That’s a good way to experiment! Let me know how it goes!
You know my love of caramel so these will definitely be bookmarked for when we can entertain again. I’ve never bought caramel before so those are excellent tips, thank you.
So good and easy. What about dulce de leche as a filling? LOVE!
I have everything I need except the caramel. Making these as soon as I can get to the store!
I seriously CRAVE these! Thanks for the awesome recipe!
My family was crazy about these!
What an incredible bar!!
You’ve got me at caramel girl. So yummy.
These are so good! A huge hit with my kids!
So decadent! LOVE them!
These bars taste heavenly! I will make these again and again!
These bars are amazing! Delicious to the very last crumb.
They really are swoon-worthy! Thanks, Claudia!
everyone here would swoon over these!
These look great! Plus only six ingredients, that’s perfect! Thanks for sharing!????
Being from Maine we love Stonewall Kitchen products. The stores are such a fun place to visit whenever I am in town.
Sounds wonderful.. and quick.. Would love to try it too.
I would make this recipe -it looks amazing. And I wouldn’t mind licking the spoon after it’s been in that jar!
I would eat the Vanilla Chai Caramel Sauce with crisp apple slices.
Lovely bars, Liz! If I get lucky and win, I’d send this to my creative daughters to see what wonderful things they’d come up with. But point them first in the direction of your caramel butter bars!
I would put it on vanilla ice cream. Maybe in brownies?
I love caramel!! I am so interested in the Chai caramel!
These sound amazing! Can’t wait to give them a try!
Um… on a spoon? I think the caramel would make for pretty awesome brownies. I’d just make my normal brownies then drizzle caramel right on top so it bakes into the brownies!
I’m thinking caramel yeast rolls!
Ice cream or eat by the spoon 😉
I think I would eat the Stonewall Kitchen Vanilla Chai Caramel Sauce right out of the jar! It would be great on brownies, too.
These Caramel Butter Bars sound great. I think they will work great in packed lunches. And so easy to make. Right up my alley!
Would love to win! Great giveaway!
On baked apples or apple pie!
I think it would be great over vanilla ice cream.
I would pour it over a giant bowl of vanilla ice cream and then dive in!
Love these bars too!
The most likely thing I would use this on is ice cream, but also drizzled on some chocolate cake or apple crisp.
It sounds so good, I would probably eat the first serving with a spoon! Then I would try this recipe an if there’s any left, I would use it with roasted pecans on a bowl of ice cream!
I LOVE this idea and just bought two jars of caramel from the store, so I am definitely adding this to my to-make list. Though I definitely wouldn’t mind giving that VANILLA CHAI CARAMEL SAUCE a try–it sounds so delectable!
Mmm.. That would be amazing all over vanilla ice cream! The bars look amazing!
such a smart way to use that cool caramel sauce!!! These bars look so gooey and comforting and heavenly!
These bars look incredible and would be the first thing I made with that heavenly sauce!
Oh my gosh, Liz. First of all, these bars look AMAZING. Second, I’d have a really hard time not just eating it from a spoon. I’d try to use it over ice cream or in brownies, though. 😉
I’d pour it over homemade pumpkin ice cream!
Anything apple!
If I won, I think I’d do my best to replicate Ms Liz Berg’s delectable looking caramel butter bars!
This looks so good…so delicious! What a simple idea for something sweet…thanks for sharing!
These look delicious!
Vanilla chai caramel sauce should be sold in India. haha
I know folks would it there. Liz I would love a bit of your bars now. =)
I would serve it warm on top of apple crisp.
Of course w/ ice cream. And it would make a pretty swirl on cupcakes.
Mini-apple hand pies with a vanilla chai caramel drizzle sounds pretty delicious to me!
I have a jar of this sauce in my fridge. I so know what I want to do with it next, these look amazing!
I adore caramel, and these cookies ND the suace sound wonderful!
Oh my goodness Liz, these bars look heavenly! I love caramel but vanilla chai caramel sounds ridiculously amazing!
These bars look incredible! I will have to try them. I just love caramel anything!
Would definitely have to try the Caramel Bars, the Cilantro Lime Aioli would be great to serve with Chicken Enchilada Bites and the Sweet Dill Relish would be a great addition to Crab or Shrimp Louie sauce.
Your caramel bars look so enticing! Yum!
Yum!!
Wow, this looks like a dream dessert, carmel, a buttery crust and streusel. I love that it’s so simple with purchased caramel sauce.
looks delicious. would try it on vanilla ice cream
MMM I love caramel so much!! These look great!
What a pity EU residents can’t enter.
Yummy yummy bars!
All my family we are fans the caramel, these bars is for us, thank you Liz 🙂
YUM!! Well, on almost everything 🙂 Vanilla ice cream. Apple Pie. Drizzled over fruit crisp… Thank you for the chance to win!
OMG the recipe looks awesome! I would love to win
I’d eat it on some fresh picked apples…love this first taste of fall. Or swirled into some plain greek yogurt.
Bathing…. lol
OK Liz you always know how to make me drool LOL I mean Vanilla Chai Caramel Sauce? Helloooooooooooo!!
Either in cookies or cake. 🙂 And your cookies look awesome!
I’d try your recipe and try dipping some sliced apples in the caramel.
I’d use it on caramelitas
I’m thinking I would try it over Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream.
Hi Liz,
These look so good, and “easy” is key these days.
Did I read that right that only 1/3 of the dough goes for the bottom crust and 2/3 for the top? It looks reversed in the pic, but that could just be my eyes. Thanks in advance for the clarification. I plan to make these soon (likely today)!
I love these bars Lizzy ! Look amazing!:))
I would use it in an apple pie!
That would be fabulous on Pancakes!
Omigosh! This sounds dangerous! I love caramel, too and would probably just spoon it over ice cream! LOL!
Looks delicious! Love caramel, can’t wait to try that sauce!
I’m sold on this one, Liz!
Gosh I love both caramel and buttery crumble bars but have never put the two together! They look fabulous!!! I want to try them and lucky I can get local salted butter caramel sauce to make it easy 🙂
I absolutely adore the flavors of chai, and I can only imagine how awesome that caramel would be slathered onto a bagel!
You mean besides eat it from the jar with a spoon? I think I’d have to drizzle it over a banana’s foster banana split.
The spiced caramel sounds perfect for the weather we are having here. Making these bars with this caramel in jar sounds like breeze.
This would be a lovely snack.. 🙂
I would totally use the caramel for a warm, gooey, caramel apple pie!
I’ll have to pass on this recipe. Not fond of caramel.
Your cookies sound great Liz, I can’t wait to start baking again this fall! Two simple things come to mind for the caramel sauce, drizzled over a homemade apple pie and of course, served over ice cream:@)