I first discovered these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars at a friend’s party, and I swear they disappeared faster than anything else on the dessert table. One bite and I knew I had to have the recipe — buttery shortbread, golden caramel, and that perfect kiss of sea salt.
Now, they’ve become one of my most-requested desserts. Simple, decadent, and always a crowd-pleaser, these bars are what happens when buttery crumble meets gooey caramel perfection. Share them if you must… but I won’t judge if you decide to keep them all for yourself.
Before we dive in, if you love home-baked sweets that taste like comfort and luxury all at once, subscribe below so you never miss a recipe from my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Salted Caramel Bars
- 🍯 Rich, buttery layers that melt in your mouth.
- 🧂 Perfect sweet-salty balance — not too rich, not too sweet.
- 🕒 Make-ahead friendly — they store and travel beautifully.
- 🎁 Gorgeous for gifting — wrap in parchment and tie with ribbon for the holidays.
- 👩🍳 Beginner-friendly — no candy thermometer, no stress.
Every time I bake these, my kitchen fills with that cozy caramel aroma that makes you stop in your tracks. They taste like the grown-up version of a Twix bar, wrapped in the warmth of homemade baking.
What Do Salted Caramel Crumble Bars Taste Like?
These bars have a buttery, crumbly shortbread base, a luscious creamy caramel layer, and a golden crumb topping that gives the perfect texture contrast. The sprinkle of sea salt on top adds just enough edge to make every bite exciting — a harmony of sweet, salty, and buttery bliss.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- No need for fancy equipment.
- Works beautifully as a dessert bar or cookie alternative.
- Freezes perfectly for make-ahead baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust & Topping
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 pound (4 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
For the Caramel Filling
- 50–60 caramel candies (about a 14 oz bag), unwrapped
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Small saucepan
- Parchment paper
Ingredient Substitutions
- 🧈 Use unsalted butter and add 1 teaspoon salt if preferred.
- 🍬 Try soft caramel bits or homemade caramel sauce instead of wrapped candies.
- 🌰 Add chopped pecans to the topping for texture and nuttiness.
- 🍫 Feeling indulgent? Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top once cooled.
How to Make Salted Caramel Crumble Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press half of the mixture firmly into the pan to create the base. Reserve the remaining half for the topping.
Step 2: Make the Caramel Filling
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt and vanilla extract, and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Pour the warm caramel over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top, gently pressing it down to create a rustic, golden topping.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The smell at this point? Absolutely heavenly.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Cool the bars completely before cutting — the caramel will firm up as it cools. Slice into squares and, if you like, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that final gourmet touch.
What to Serve with Salted Caramel Bars
These pair beautifully with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream 🍨
- A cup of strong coffee or espresso ☕
- A drizzle of melted chocolate for extra indulgence
Perfect for bake sales, holidays, or that “just because I need caramel today” mood.
Tips for Perfect Bars
- Use soft caramels (like Werther’s Original Baking Caramels) for smoother melting.
- Don’t overbake — golden edges mean they’re ready.
- Chill slightly before cutting for clean slices.
- For salted caramel lovers, sprinkle extra flaky salt right after baking while warm.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 7 days.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months — wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil.
To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm slightly for that “fresh from the oven” texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the caramel settles and the flavors blend.
Q: Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, but make sure it’s thick enough — otherwise the filling can turn runny.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Just bake in two 9×13 pans or one large sheet pan for a crowd.
General Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Bar)
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
(These are estimates and vary by brand.)
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