Okay friend, buckle up because these Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars are next-level indulgence. Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, buttery crust that’s soft yet satisfyingly firm, followed by a layer of golden caramel that stretches with every bite like a sweet little dream. It’s ooey. It’s gooey. It’s unapologetically buttery. This dessert is not for the faint of heart it’s for the caramel lovers, the comfort seekers, the people who close their eyes and savor every single bite. If you’ve never made these before, get ready for your life to change just a little. Trust me, you’re going to love this.

Why You’ll Love Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a potluck with friends, or just because your sweet tooth demanded it, this dessert delivers in every way. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for parties, bake sales, holidays, or that random Tuesday when you need a pick-me-up.

Budget-Friendly: No fancy ingredients just basic pantry staples that transform into magic.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need any special equipment or skills. Just layer, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt to make them your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars

These bars come together with a few key players that know how to bring the drama in the best way:

Butter: The foundation of this bar and the reason for its rich, melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Use good-quality butter for best results.

Yellow Cake Mix: A clever shortcut that forms the perfect soft and chewy crust.

Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the crust structure and richness.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds warmth and depth.

Caramels: The ooey-gooey star of the show. Melted down into a luscious filling.

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Mixes with the caramel to make it extra creamy and decadent.

Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness and helps the caramel set just right.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance out all the sweetness.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until a soft dough forms. It should be thick but pliable.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Press about two-thirds of the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. This will form the base of your bars.

Assemble the Dish

In a saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy. Pour the caramel mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Drop small pieces of the remaining dough over the top—don’t worry about covering everything perfectly. Imperfect is perfect here.

Cook to Perfection

Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the edges are set. The center will still be slightly jiggly that’s what we want for that gooey factor.

Finishing Touches

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial to let the caramel firm up and become sliceable. You can even pop them in the fridge to speed things up.

Serve and Enjoy

Cut into squares, serve at room temperature, and prepare for major compliments. These bars are rich, so small pieces go a long way—unless you’re me, in which case, good luck stopping at one.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 16
Calories per serving: ~350

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
• Drizzle with extra caramel or chocolate sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
• Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk it’s dreamy either way.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Line your baking pan for easy removal these bars are sticky!
• Don’t skip the cooling step it helps the bars firm up so they cut cleanly.
• Use soft caramel candies, not hard ones, for smoother melting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp or in the fridge if it’s warm out.

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes! They keep beautifully for several days and taste even better the next day.

2. Can I freeze caramel butter bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

3. What kind of cake mix should I use?
A standard yellow cake mix works best, but you can also use white or even butter cake mix.

4. Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought?
Definitely! Just be sure it’s thick and creamy so it sets nicely in the bars.

5. Are these bars gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use a gluten-free cake mix to adapt them.

6. How do I keep the caramel layer from getting too hard?
Make sure to use enough sweetened condensed milk and cream it keeps the caramel soft.

7. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Stir them into the caramel layer or sprinkle on top for extra texture.

8. Why is my crust too hard?
Make sure not to overbake these bars should still be soft and slightly underdone in the middle.

9. How do I get clean slices?
Cool completely and use a sharp knife sprayed with nonstick spray. Wipe between cuts.

10. Can I make this in a smaller pan?
Yes, but reduce the ingredients slightly and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

These Ooey Gooey Caramel Butter Bars are the definition of dessert heaven. They’re buttery, rich, chewy, and dripping with creamy caramel what more could you want? Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy movie night, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to hit the spot. Go ahead treat yourself. You deserve it!

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