Pies and Plots

Writing Never Tasted So Sweet

  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Press
  • Contact
  • Books

Salted Caramel Squares

April 6, 2013

Share
Pin1
Tweet
Email
Print
1Share
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Salted Caramel Squares

Baseball season started this week.  I love that I means the beginning of spring (I hope), but I’m not much of a baseball fan.  I don’t really understand the game or why it’s entertaining.  Sure, I love when the Tigers make it to the playoffs and I still remember cheering for the Yankees (yes, I’m kind of a Yankees fan) in the 2001 World Series.  Mom and I would stay up way too late watching the games.  It was riveting and our eyes were glued, positively glued, to the TV.

I’ve been to one game in person many moons ago.  Dad got tickets from work for us and some of our friends.  The seats were in the first two rows on one baseline or another.  It also happened to be the fourth of July.  So that means it was searing hot outside.  My makeup was melted, my hair a mess, and I was generally uncomfortable.  No, miserable might be a more accurate description.

Salted Caramel Squares

Salted Caramel Squares

I remember eating a few peanuts and McDonald’s.  Why we didn’t get a hot dog, I don’t know, and while I don’t remember what I ordered, I do remember it was the best food I’d ever had from McDonald’s.  I haven’t eaten from there in years, but my young self took comfort in some golden arches food that day.  It actually kind of saved the day.

As if the weather wasn’t bad enough, at some point during the game, the sky opened up and it poured.  Luckily our friend had an umbrella and rescued us from the downpour.  I don’t think we stayed much longer.  We had no idea there was so much as a chance of rain.  I guess I didn’t obsessively check the weather back then like I do now (fifties and rainy next week?  Really?  That’s the best we can do?)  In fact, I don’t remember who the Tigers played or if they even won.  Dad and I both vowed to never go to a baseball game again.

Salted Caramel Squares

Salted Caramel Squares

So instead of heading to the ball park, I went to the kitchen and made Salted Caramel Squares.  The shortbread crust is not my favorite, but that doesn’t matter.  It’s only a vehicle for the home run caramel on top.  Seriously, this caramel is deep, complex, rich, not too sweet, and totally amazing.  I am in love with it.  It’s made even better with a sprinkling of sea salt.

This recipe also serves a lot, as a small serving is enough even to satisfy my giant sweet tooth with the ooey, gooey, vanilla bean flecked caramel and the crumbly, crunchy shortbread.  Oh, yeah, these are definitely better than sitting through another baseball game.

Salted Caramel Squares

Salted Caramel Squares

Don’t miss my Bob’s Red Mill Giveaway either!  I know you’ll love their products as much as I do!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Salted Caramel Squares


★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins
  • Yield: 32 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

Caramel

  • 2 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • ½ vanilla bean, split and scraped, seeds and pod reserved
  • 2 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 ¾ sticks unsalted butter
  • Maldon Sea Salt, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9 by 13 inch pan and line it with parchment leaving an overhang to pull the bars out later.
  2. Make the crust. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer, until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs until once again light and fluffy, and then beat in the flour. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press it into an even layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating halfway through if necessary, until light golden brown.
  3. While the crust cools, make the caramel. In a small saucepan, bring the cream and vanilla bean pod and seeds to a simmer. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
  4. In a very large saucepan, stir together the sugar and water over medium heat. Stop stirring and allow the sugar to cook until deep amber. This part takes awhile, but is so worth it. As soon as the caramel is to the desired color, remove it from the heat and add the cream. It will bubble vigorously. Once the bubbling begins to subside stir in the butter a few tablespoons at a time. Using your spoon to scrape the caramel off the bottom of the pan – it will melt back into the caramel.
  5. Place the pan over medium-high heat and attach a candy thermometer. While stirring, allow the mixture to come to 240 degrees F on the thermometer. Once this happens, remove it from the heat, remove the vanilla bean pod and pour the caramel over the crust. Sprinkle with sea salt.
  6. Allow to cool at room temperature for about an hour until it is cool enough to handle. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting and serving. Bars may be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or at room temperature for 1 (after being chilled to set), or in the freezer in pieces, wrapped in parchment and foil and placed in a zipper bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for several hours.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Zoe Nathan, courtesy of Food and Wine

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @piesandplots on Instagram

Filed Under: Baked Goods, Bars, Candy, Caramel Tagged With: Bars, Caramel, Dessert, Shortbread, Vanilla

« Coconut Cake and Giveaway!
Golden Oreo Funfetti Muffins #MuffinMonday »

Comments

  1. MysteryBaker says

    April 6, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Oh I love the food you come up with its usually the simple recipes that turn out to be the best.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:16 pm

      Simple recipes definitely tend to be the best. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • MysteryBaker says

        April 7, 2013 at 1:36 pm

        Hiya Laura I actually made these salted caramel squares today.turned out so well. I might feature them on my next blog post week… One more thing are you based in America?

        ★★★★★

        Reply
        • Laura says

          April 7, 2013 at 2:54 pm

          I’m so glad to hear you liked them 🙂 I am based in America.

          Reply
          • MysteryBaker says

            April 7, 2013 at 3:35 pm

            LOLz Laura oh lucky you guyz with the sunshine……………….

          • Laura says

            April 8, 2013 at 11:43 am

            Yeah, but I live in Michigan, so we kind of forget what sunshine is in the winter 😉 And unfortunately it still looks and feels pretty close to winter.

  2. Katy @ Katy's Kitchen says

    April 6, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    These look really really yummy! Is the caramel chewy on top, or more hardened?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      The caramel is ooey, gooey, chewy goodness on top and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

      Reply
  3. Hannah says

    April 6, 2013 at 4:02 pm

    The only baseball I want to be a part of is the Gene Kelly musical kind in Take Me Out To The Ballgame. Salted caramel heaven DEFINITELY wins in my books!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:15 pm

      Take Me Out to the Ballgame makes baseball sound so much more fun than it is. Salted caramel always wins! Thanks, Hannah!

      Reply
  4. Eric says

    April 6, 2013 at 4:03 pm

    Get little snack. Love the caramel with the snappy cookie.

    ★★★★

    Reply
  5. Eric says

    April 6, 2013 at 4:04 pm

    Great little snack.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Glad you liked it, Eric!

      Reply
  6. Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says

    April 6, 2013 at 5:59 pm

    I hate baseball….and all sports.

    What I don’t hate: spring. and these caramels!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      I don’t hate all sports . . . just most of them 😉 Could never hate anything caramel or spring, but this spring . . . not so sure . . . kinda hating it.

      Reply
  7. mookies says

    April 6, 2013 at 7:43 pm

    Delicious snack.
    Salt is necessary for me, elevates the taste.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      Yes, salt and caramel go perfectly together. Thanks!

      Reply
  8. Liz says

    April 6, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Whoa, these look phenomenal! I never pass up anything topped with caramel!!!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:13 pm

      I love everything caramel too! Thanks, Liz!

      Reply
  9. Medeja says

    April 7, 2013 at 1:10 am

    Yummy! Tempting bars. Both crust and caramel sound amazing!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      Thanks so much, Medeja!

      Reply
  10. Kate@Diethood says

    April 7, 2013 at 9:38 am

    I love these bars! I have no control – I would eat all of them. 🙂

    I have been to many baseball games… mostly Cubs… very, very entertaining. :))

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:12 pm

      Thanks, Kate! I’m just not a baseball fan, but maybe I should try again!

      Reply
  11. Dad says

    April 7, 2013 at 11:17 am

    The caramel was great as was the bar itself. A good combination!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 7, 2013 at 12:11 pm

      Glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  12. Ruby @ The Ruby Red Apron says

    April 7, 2013 at 5:09 pm

    These bars look delish… I love caramel! And I actually like baseball, just a little bit. My dad was a big Dodgers fan. 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:41 am

      Thanks, Ruby! I kinda, sorta like football because my dad is a fan – he even played in college. Our dads influence us a lot when it comes to sports.

      Reply
  13. sally @ sallys baking addiction says

    April 7, 2013 at 6:17 pm

    Salted caramel and me are like *this.* I love the stuff! The crust looks and sounds amazing too Laura!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:40 am

      Salted caramel is definitely the best. Thanks, Sally!

      Reply
  14. Hannah says

    April 7, 2013 at 10:08 pm

    I don’t know a thing about baseball, but I do know my way around a pan of caramels, and those look like some stellar specimen! The pinch of salt on top must make it shine, I can practically taste it right now. 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:39 am

      So much more important to know about caramel than baseball 😉 The salt is perfect. Thanks, Hannah!

      Reply
  15. Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says

    April 8, 2013 at 1:17 am

    Simplicity is the best! Your caramel came out really nice. I wish I had these bars at my house right now!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:39 am

      I get nervous pretty much every time I make caramel, but it did, thankfully, come out perfectly. Thanks, Julia!

      Reply
  16. Raymund says

    April 8, 2013 at 4:19 am

    Those salted caramel squares looks gorgeous, I want some slice

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:38 am

      Thanks, Raymund!

      Reply
  17. Jackie says

    April 8, 2013 at 9:53 am

    These were very good – loved all the different textures!!

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 8, 2013 at 11:37 am

      Thanks, Jackie!

      Reply
  18. Dina says

    April 8, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    i’ve always wanted to make caramel shortbread bars, but these look great with the salt!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 9, 2013 at 11:40 am

      I’m not much of a fan of salt, but when it comes to caramel, I love a hint of it. Thanks, Dina!

      Reply
  19. Jennifer @ Not Your Momma's Cookie says

    April 9, 2013 at 12:36 pm

    Gorgeous! They look so yummy 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 10, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Jennifer! They are very yummy!

      Reply
  20. Lendon says

    April 9, 2013 at 1:06 pm

    What a great addition to the Salted Caramel. Shortbread was the perfect mix!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 10, 2013 at 12:00 pm

      Good to hear. Thanks, Lendon!

      Reply
  21. sal says

    April 9, 2013 at 8:39 pm

    GREAT TASTE THAT CARAMEL TOPPING WOULD BE GOOD ON JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 10, 2013 at 11:59 am

      I agree that the caramel was outstanding. Thanks, Sal!

      Reply
  22. The Healthy Apple says

    April 9, 2013 at 10:48 pm

    YOU are amazing darling; these look fabulous!!! What a cute idea; I’ve never made these before but totally going to try them! Thanks. oxxx

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 10, 2013 at 11:59 am

      Thank you so much, Amie! I always appreciate your comments 🙂

      Reply
  23. Rick says

    April 10, 2013 at 6:10 am

    These are a caramel lovers fantasy…Great mix of textures

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 10, 2013 at 11:57 am

      Thanks, Rick!

      Reply
  24. Miranda says

    April 10, 2013 at 2:12 pm

    These look freaking amazing! Sweet and salty is my thing. yum!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 12, 2013 at 3:35 pm

      Thanks, Miranda! Caramel always tastes a little better with some salt.

      Reply
  25. Arturo says

    April 11, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Lasted roughly…… 5 minutes (I was looking for my coffee cup.) Thank you, they were great.

    ★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 12, 2013 at 3:33 pm

      That pesky coffee cup 😉 Glad you liked them!

      Reply
  26. Averie @ Averie Cooks says

    April 14, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    That thick, dark, rich layer of caramel on top…now that is where I want to be 🙂

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:50 pm

      The shortbread was okay to me, but that caramel was outstanding. I could have just eaten it off the top of the bars!

      Reply
  27. stan the man says

    April 14, 2013 at 7:14 pm

    Caramel is my favorite and these were no exception. The sweet taste with just the right amount of salt melted in my mouth…great combination!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      That little bit of salt is incredible. Thanks, Sal!

      Reply
  28. Carol says

    April 14, 2013 at 7:18 pm

    I really enjoyed the treat, esp with coffee in the morning. Smooth caramel with crunchy shortbread, what a great way to start the day!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Oooh, these would be perfect dipped into coffee. Some of the caramel would melt in and the shortbread would soften. Sounds like a great idea. Thanks, Carol!

      Reply
  29. Jeff says

    April 15, 2013 at 8:57 am

    Anything with caramel, crunchy and sweet works for me. Thanks

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 15, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      Caramel makes everything better! Thanks, Jeff!

      Reply
  30. laurasmess says

    April 17, 2013 at 9:34 am

    Oh wow. The guest post on Vintage Kitchen for the Momofuku cookies brought me here (I’ve never heard of Momofuku, being an Aussie, but I want to go there if their cookies are as good as yours!) and I am definitely STAYING! Can’t believe how delicious this recipe sounds. I’ve recently become obsessed with salted caramel and these treats sound like they have just the right combination of gooey and crunchy, salty and sweet. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      April 17, 2013 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks for visiting, Laura! I appreciate it 🙂 Everything Momofuku is totally out of this world amazing! Salted caramel is the best!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. What Diet!? | Scrumptious Salted Caramel Squares | stupidDOPE.com | Lifestyle Magazine says:
    April 8, 2013 at 3:01 pm

    […] salty and sweet and mixing it with a shortbread cookie-ish crust is one of the coolest creations. Salted Caramel Squares are the cure to a craving for sweets. The prep time is only about 10 minutes and the hour it takes […]

    Reply
  2. Fudgy Carob Brownies by Pies and Plots | Noshing With The Nolands says:
    May 15, 2013 at 12:27 pm

    […] blog. Her site has tons to offer with recipes and adventures!! Another one that caught my eye was Salted Caramel Squares, I had to sit there for awhile starring and drooling. She is allergic to chocolate and cheese so […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★ 5 Stars ☆ ★ 4 Stars ☆ ★ 3 Stars ☆ ★ 2 Stars ☆ ★ 1 Star ☆

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Welcome to Pies and Plots. I’m Laura Dembowski, writer, baker, and fashionista sharing recipes, reviews, and tips to inspire you to enjoy life both inside and outside the kitchen.
…Read More

The Latest

Categories

piesandplots

Fashion 👡 👗Florida ☀️🌴 Fiction 🖋📚 Food 🎂🥩
#ootdshare #floridavibes #amwriting #bakersofinstagram

Laura Dembowski
So many things to be thankful for today and everyd So many things to be thankful for today and everyday 🧡  Thanksgiving will always be my reminder to be grateful for my move to Florida 🌴  Three Thankgivings ago I got on an airplane and never looked back. I'm so lucky I get to call this magical place home and share it with people I love and care about 💛 

#thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #happygirl #luckygirl #floridavibes #floridagirl #floridaholiday #floridathanksgiving #orlandoinfluencer #orlandoflorida #orlando #thecitybeautiful #resortlife #vacayvibes #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #floridafall #winterpark #winterparkfl #ootdshare #styleblogger #stylish #fashionista #familytime #dressup #floridalife #livinginparadise #isthisreallife
In my celebration era since it's Mom's birthday 🎂 🎉 🍾  Karma is this one of a kind smart, strong, kind woman being the one I can count all day every day 💪 I hope today and all the days are awesome for you, Mom 💖 My days are better with you as a part of them 🌟

#ootdshare #fashionblogger #fashionistas #likemotherlikedaughter #momsofinstagram #momsarethebest #momsaresuperheroes #happybirthday #happybirthdaymom #lookgoodfeelgood #celebrate #happygirl #luckygirl #blondehairdontcare #floralprint #winterparkfl #floridagirl #floridavibes #familyphotography #familytime #strikeapose #model #styleblogger #redlipclassic #waldorfastoria #waldorforlando #winterpark #ageisjustanumber #momboss
Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite ba Dirty Chai Banana Bread is my all-time favorite banana recipe 💛

It's easy to make, is super comforting (especially during this dreary Orlando weather), and it screams Thanksgiving breakfast 🍂

The recipe is on the blog as always 🍌

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #comfortfood #grainfree #glutenfree #bananabread #bananabreadrecipe #bananarecipes #dirtychai #sugarspiceandeverythingnice #butfirstcoffee #f52grams #todayfood #yahoofood #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #bonappetit #imsomartha #bakefeed #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingbreakfast #fallrecipe #paleobreakfast #paleorecipe #eatrealfood #eatdessertfirst #bakersofig #bakersgonnabake #breakfastofchampions
All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these But All the fall and Thanksgiving vibes with these Butter Tart Bars 🍁🍂🍁

This recipe adapted from @mary_berg3 is on the blog ❤️

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ambaking #bakersofig #fallbaking #fallvibes #thanksgivingvibes #thanksgivingrecipe #thanksgivingdessert #falldessert #raisins #pecans #imsomartha #buzzfeedfood #huffposttaste #thekitchn #comfortfood #gooeydessert #cookiebar #eatrealfood #paleodessert #paleorecipe #grainfree #glutenfree #eatdessertfirst #buttertart #buttertartbars #maplesyrup #todayfood
Since it's November I can post all the holiday pho Since it's November I can post all the holiday photos and start dreaming about spending as much of the season as humanly possible at the Ritz right??? 🎄✨🎄

#ontheblog #linkinprofile #ootdshare #lookgoodfeelgood #fashionista #fashionstyle #styleblogger #christmasfashion #holidaydress #holidayfashion #christmasvibes #holidayvibes #rcmemories #ritzcarlton #ritzcarltonorlando #teddybeartea #teatime #afternoontea #strikeapose #model #blondehairdontcare #redlipclassic #partydress #fancydress #smokeyeyes #gingerbreadhouse #floridachristmas #floridaholidays #orlandoinfluencer
Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston a Still can't believe I got to meet Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul last night!  I'm a huge fan of both of them after watching Breaking Bad, and I love Dos Hombres mezcal 🍹  They are super nice guys and took their time chatting and taking photos with everyone there. I'm so thrilled I got to attend this event and that it was at the Waldorf, one of my favorite places 🌴💚 The signed and engraved bottle is a fabulous keepsake from an unforgettable evening ✨️

#breakingbad #doshombres #doshombresmezcal #bryancranston #aaronpaul #cheersyall #mezcallovers #waldorforlando #waldorfastoria #orlandoflorida #orlando #orlandoinfluencer #thecitybeautiful #takemeback #bestnightever #likemotherlikedaughter #nightout #lookgoodfeelgood #blondehairdontcare #ootdshare #sequindress #partydress #happygirl #luckygirl #isthisreallife #floridagirl #resortlife #memories #strikeapose
Load More... Follow on Instagram
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Pies and Plots · Web Design by Viva la Violet