Salted Caramel Butter Bars

Ingredients:

2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 (11.5 oz) jar salted caramel sauce (Smuckers Brand Simple Delights or Trader Joe’s Fleur de Sel)
Sea salt, for sprinkling

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 13×9″ baking pan with foil, leaving the edges overhanging for easy removal. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until combined.
Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press half of the dough evenly into the prepared pan, and refrigerate the remaining dough.
Bake the pressed dough for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven but keep the oven on.
Pour the salted caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked crust.
Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer, ensuring it’s well covered.
Lightly sprinkle the top with sea salt.
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate for at least an hour before cutting into squares.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cooking Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 320 per bar | Servings: 24 bars