Caramel Swirl Dream Bars – Easy & Irresistible Caramel Dessert Bars

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to wander into the irresistibly gooey world of caramel? Today’s recipe is a true nostalgic treasure—Caramel Swirl Dream Bars, a dessert that feels like it came straight from a grandmother’s cherished recipe box. These bars are the kind of treat that turns any ordinary day into something warm, comforting, and just a little magical.

Caramel has long been a beloved flavor in traditional baking—a timeless combination of butter, sugar, and cream that transforms into liquid gold. For generations, home bakers have swirled caramel into cookies, cakes, and bars to create desserts that are simple yet luxurious. This recipe keeps that old-fashioned spirit alive while making things wonderfully easy for modern kitchens.

Imagine a buttery base that’s soft yet slightly chewy, a caramel layer that melts into every corner, and delicate swirls that give each bite a dreamy sweetness. These bars bake up beautifully, cut cleanly, and travel well—perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, celebrations, or cozy evenings with a cup of tea. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe promises success with minimal fuss.

So preheat your oven, unwrap that caramel, and get ready to fall in love with a dessert that’s simple, stunning, and absolutely irresistible. Let’s bake some sweetness! 🍯✨

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Caramel Swirl

• 1 cup soft caramel candies (or caramel bits)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream
• Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the base: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a soft, thick batter forms.
4. Spread into pan: Pour the batter into your prepared dish, smoothing it evenly with a spatula.
5. Create the caramel swirl: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramel candies with heavy cream in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth. If desired, stir in a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel touch.
6. Swirl the magic: Drizzle the warm caramel over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it into the surface, creating beautiful ribbons of caramel.
7. Bake to perfection: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set but still soft. Do not overbake—these bars are best when chewy.
8. Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before lifting them out by the parchment overhang. Once cooled, slice into squares or rectangles.
9. Serve & store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Warm them slightly for an extra gooey treat!

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 25–30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: ~40 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~290 | 🍽️ Servings: 12–16 bars

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️