Caramel Bars Recipe – Sweet, Buttery Layers with a Lush Caramel Filling
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both indulgent and irresistibly sweet, this Caramel Bars recipe from Love With Recipes is just what you need. With buttery layers, smooth caramel filling, and a fluffy meringue topping, these bars are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, parties, or any occasion when you need something special to share. Prepare these Caramel Bars ahead of time for a simple yet decadent dessert that will be the highlight of your next event. Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious bars from scratch!
Recipe Overview
- Category: Bar Cookie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 24 bars
- Calories per Serving: 153.5
- Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the base, caramel filling, and meringue topping for your Caramel Bars:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter (softened) | 6 tbsp |
| Sugar (granulated) | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 1/2 cups |
| Sugar (granulated) | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Butter (for caramel filling) | 1/4 cup |
| Corn syrup | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour (for topping) | 1 cup |
| Sugar (for meringue) | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 153.5 |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 35.9 mg |
| Sodium | 66 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 25.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 18.3 g |
| Protein | 2.2 g |
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create the most delightful Caramel Bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
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Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Add the egg yolks: Add the egg yolks to the creamed butter and sugar mixture and mix well. You can discard or save the egg whites for the meringue layer.
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Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, then slowly add them to the butter and egg mixture. Mix until fully combined, but avoid overworking the dough.
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Press the dough into a pan: Grease a jelly roll pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan, ensuring a smooth, even layer that will serve as the base for your Caramel Bars.
Step 2: Prepare the Caramel Filling
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Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, sugar, butter, and corn syrup.
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Cook over low heat: Stir the mixture continuously over low heat until all ingredients are dissolved and well-combined. Avoid bringing it to a boil as this can cause the caramel to seize or burn.
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Spread the caramel over the base: Once the caramel filling is smooth and well-blended, carefully pour and spread it evenly over the pressed dough base.
Step 3: Prepare the Meringue Topping
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Whip the egg whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites (reserved from earlier) until stiff peaks form. This means the peaks will stand up straight when the beaters are removed.
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Add the sugar gradually: While continuing to beat the egg whites, gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the meringue is glossy and smooth.
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Top the caramel: Spoon the whipped meringue over the caramel layer, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface. Be sure not to disturb the caramel layer beneath.
Step 4: Baking
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Bake at 350°F (175°C): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and the edges of the caramel filling are bubbling.
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Check the meringue: If the meringue starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the pan with a sheet of wax paper halfway through the baking time to prevent over-browning.
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Cool before cutting: Once baked, remove the Caramel Bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely before cutting. This helps the meringue set properly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the Caramel Bars are completely cool, cut them into squares and serve. They are best enjoyed with a warm beverage, and they make the perfect treat for sharing with family and friends.
Additional Tips and Notes
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Storage: If you have any leftovers (though unlikely!), store the Caramel Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1 month.
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Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of caramel or add nuts for added crunch. You could also drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
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Make Ahead: These Caramel Bars can be prepared the day before your event, as they keep well and taste even better after sitting for a few hours. This makes them ideal for parties and gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Bars recipe brings together a delightful combination of textures: a buttery, flaky base, a rich caramel filling, and a light, airy meringue topping. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for large groups, these bars are simple to make and truly delicious.
Don’t forget to share your Caramel Bars with friends and family – after all, good food is best when enjoyed with those you love. Make sure to visit Love With Recipes for more decadent treats and inspiration for your next baking adventure!
This recipe follows the proper steps for creating a perfectly layered Caramel Bar, and its simplicity makes it an easy choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Happy baking!
