Salted Caramel Bars

Yes, these are so delicious, they're quite addictive!  The crust is buttery and tender, while the filling is gooey salted caramel. Mmmmmm!  Enjoy!

Ingredients:

For Crust and Topping:

-4 sticks (2 cups) salted butter, at room temperature

-1 cup sugar

-1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

-2 Tbs vanilla extract

-4 cups flour

For Filling:

-14 oz (50 pieces) caramels, unwrapped

-1/3 cup heavy cream

-1/2 tsp vanilla extract

-1 Tbs fine sea salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat bottom and sides of 9x13 pan with butter flavored cooking spray.  Set aside.

In your electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars.  Once smooth, add the vanilla and flour, half of cup at a time.

Take half of the dough (place the rest covered in the fridge) and press it evenly on bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Remove from oven (do NOT turn oven off!) and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.

While the crust is cooling, place all caramels and the heavy cream in a saucepan.  Melt over low heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and pour over the cooled crust. Sprinkle all the salt evenly right on top.

Take remaining dough from the fridge and crumble it on top of caramel and salt.

Return pan to the oven and bake for25-30 more minutes.

Remove pan from oven and let it cool completely on wire rack.

Once completely cooled, cut into bars and enjoy! YUM!