Salted Caramel Butter Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Layers

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure you have an overhang on the sides.
2. Cream 1 cup of softened butter with the granulated sugar and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Note: Beat for about 3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour and fine sea salt until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
4. Press exactly two thirds of this dough into the bottom of the pan. Note: Use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to get an even, level surface.
5. Par bake the crust for 15 minutes until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden.
6. While the crust bakes, combine 0.5 cup butter, light brown sugar, and the condensed milk in your saucepan over medium heat.
7. Simmer the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, whisking constantly until the caramel thickens and turns a beautiful mahogany color.
8. Pour the hot caramel over your par baked crust, spreading it all the way to the corners.
9. Crumble the remaining one third of the dough over the top of the caramel layer. Note: Don't press it in; let it sit loosely on top.
10. Bake for another 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling at the edges. Immediately sprinkle with the Maldon salt. Raspberry Almond Shortbread Bars Recipe for 16 Servings — Master this raspberry almond shortbread bars recipe with our step-by-step gui...Cannoli Bars Recipe with Ricotta Filling in 60 Minutes — Master this cannoli bars recipe featuring a cocoa graham crust and creamy ric...Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pie Recipe: A Classic Silky Custard — Master this classic buttermilk pie recipe for a perfect silky custard and car... $img_2$