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Salted Caramel Gooey Butter Bars

Decadent bars featuring a yellow cake mix crust, a rich cream cheese gooey filling, and a generous topping of salted caramel and sea salt.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 24 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust Layer
  • 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 large egg
Gooey Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup salted caramel sauce for swirling
Toppings
  • 0.25 cup salted caramel sauce for drizzling
  • 1 tbsp flaky sea salt Maldon preferred

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease lightly.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1 egg until a stiff dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
  4. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar. Slowly add the second 1/2 cup of melted butter and mix until smooth.
  5. Pour the filling over the crust. Drop spoonfuls of caramel sauce on top and swirl gently with a knife.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The center should still be jiggly when shaken; do not overbake.
  7. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. Drizzle with remaining caramel and sprinkle with sea salt before slicing.

Notes

For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour before slicing.