Sweet & Salty Sensation: Salted Caramel Buttery Crumb Bars Recipe

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these irresistibly delicious Salted Caramel Buttery Crumb Bars. With a rich buttery crust, a luscious caramel filling, and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for more.

#### Ingredients

**For the Crust and Crumb Topping*
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 large egg

**For the Salted Caramel Filling*
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

#### Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Crumb Topping**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add the egg and mix until combined. The dough will be crumbly.
5. Press half of the dough firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Reserve the other half for the crumb topping.

**Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Filling**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then stop stirring and allow it to come to a boil.
2. Continue to cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep amber color. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously).
4. Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake**
1. Pour the salted caramel filling over the crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel layer.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
4. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**
1. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
2. Cut into squares and sprinkle with a little extra sea salt, if desired.

These Salted Caramel Buttery Crumb Bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a rich, buttery crust and a gooey caramel filling that will delight your taste buds. Serve them at your next gathering, or enjoy them as a decadent treat any time of day.

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