I love caramel desserts. I can’t get enough of them. What are gluten-free caramel bars? Is there a whole other level to them? Imagine a buttery, slightly salty gluten-free crust, an ocean of gooey caramel, and an endless stream of delicious chocolate. What are some good flaky sea salt recipes? Is it true that one bite will make you hooked? I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years, and honestly, it’s reached peak perfection. My kids devour them so fast. I swear I barely get a piece!

What is gluten-free caramel?

Think of it as the dessert equivalent of a warm hug. Gluten-free caramel bars are a layered treat. First, we have a buttery, crumbly base made with gluten-free flour. What’s the star of the show? A luscious caramel. Not the hard, brittle kind, but the soft, chewy, melts-in-your-mouth kind. What’s the best way to add salt to a dish? Is it easy to make a cookie? What is the perfect balance of salty and sweet, and that gluten free crust? I promise you that you won’t miss the gluten in this recipe.

Why you will love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about these gluten-free caramel bars is how deceptively simple they are. They taste like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, but really, they come together in under a minute.Flavor Explosion:The combination of the buttery crust, the rich caramel, and the salty finish is just divine. Is there a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds? I actually tested this recipe with brown butter in the crust once, and it elevated it even further!Easy Peasy:Why is caramel so bad for you? Is it surprisingly straightforward, and I’ve included all my tips and tricks to make sure it turns out. What makes a perfect out of every time? I always make sure my sugar is evenly distributed in the pot so it melts smoothly. *Budget-Friendly BYou probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. No fancy, expensive ingredients required!Is Versatility key?What are some great bar ideas for a potluck? What are some good ways to impress your friends with baking skills? What are some good gluten free brownie recipes? What is that one recipe that gets asked over and over again? Once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your household, I guarantee it.

How do I make gluten-free caramel bars?

Quick Overview

How do you make gluten-free caramel bars? How do you make a gluten-free crust? While that’s baking, you’ll make the homemade caramel – don’t worry, it’s less intimidating than it is. Pour the caramel over the baked crust, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake again until golden and crispy. Let them cool completely before slicing and serving. The hardest part is waiting for them to cool! I usually pop them in the fridge to speed things up, but that’s just because I lack patience.

Ingredients

For the Crust:
* 1 12 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum) Unsalted butter, cold and cubed * 12 cup packed light brown sugar* 1 teaspoon salt

For the Caramel: What is
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter * 2 cups packed light brown sugar * 3 cups corn syrup * 4 cups heavy cream * 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract* 12 teaspoon salt.

For the Finishing Touch:
* Flaky sea salt

How do I learn to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. How do I lift the bars out of my car?

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, brown sugar, and salt. Set aside. What’s the best way to cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse. What are some tips for a tender crust?

Step 3: Press into Pan & Bake

How do you press the mixture into the prepared baking pan? Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it. Can gluten-free flours burn easily?

Step 4: Make the Caramel

While the crust is baking, make the caramel. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and corn syrup and stir until combined. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. What is the magic of simmering for 5 minutes? The caramel needs to cook long enough to reach the right consistency.

Step 5: Finish the Caramel

Remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful, it will bubble up when you add the cream! Stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 6: Pour & Sprinkle

Do not over-bake the crust. Sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt.

Step 7: Bake Again

If the caramel is golden brown and the edges are crisp, return to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly soft.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is essential! The caramel needs time to set up, or it will be a gooey mess. I’ve learned this the hard way.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Use parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy every bite!

What should I serve it with?

What are some gluten free caramel bars? The next level: what is the nextFor Breakfast:A small square with a strong cup of coffee. The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of caramel perfectly.For Brunch:Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Is it a good idea to serve these with Ice Cream or with mimosas on top?As Dessert:How do you serve vanilla ice cream in the microwave? I sometimes drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top, because why not?For Cozy Snacks:What are some great cocktails to serve with a glass of cold milk or hot cocoa?

How do I make gluten-free caramel bars?

How do I make gluten free caramel bars? Is it perfect?Gluten-Free FlourMake sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum. What are some of the best ways to make a crust? If your blend doesn’t have it, add about 12 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.Cold Butter is Key: Using cold butter in the crust is essential for a flaky, tender result. Don’t be tempted to use softened butter!

• Don’t Overbake the Crust: Overbaking the crust will make it dry and crumbly. Bake it just until it’s lightly golden brown.

• Watch the Caramel Carefully: Caramel can burn easily, so keep a close eye on it while it’s simmering. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

• Let Them Cool Completely: I can’t stress this enough! The caramel needs time to set up properly. If you slice them while they’re still warm, they’ll be a gooey mess (although still delicious!).

• Salt is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid to be generous with the flaky sea salt. It balances the sweetness of the caramel and adds a lovely salty-sweet contrast.

  Storing and Reheating Tips

  Here’s how to keep your gluten-free caramel bars fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They might get a little softer, but they’ll still be delicious.

• Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll firm up quite a bit, so let them come to room temperature before serving.

• Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Can I make this gluten-free?

  Absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed to be gluten-free, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture. If it doesn’t, add about ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients. It’s a lifesaver for gluten-free baking!

  Can I use a different type of sugar?

  I really recommend sticking with light brown sugar for both the crust and the caramel. It adds a lovely molasses flavor and helps to create that chewy caramel texture. You could experiment with dark brown sugar for a richer flavor, but I haven’t tested it myself, so I can’t guarantee the results.

  What can I use instead of corn syrup?

  Corn syrup helps to prevent the caramel from crystallizing and gives it a smooth texture. If you prefer not to use it, you can try substituting it with honey or maple syrup. However, these will alter the flavor of the caramel slightly, so keep that in mind.

  Can I add nuts to the caramel?

  Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds would be delicious additions to the caramel. Just stir them in after you remove the caramel from the heat.

  My caramel is too hard/soft. What did I do wrong?

  The consistency of the caramel depends on the cooking time and temperature. If your caramel is too hard, you probably overcooked it. If it’s too soft, you likely undercooked it. A candy thermometer can be helpful to ensure you reach the correct temperature (around 245°F or 118°C). But honestly, I usually just eyeball it!

  Final Thoughts

  

  These gluten-free caramel bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a little slice of heaven. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing (or not!). Whether you’re gluten-free or not, you’ll fall in love with these bars. If you’re a fan of this recipe, you absolutely *have* to try my Salted Caramel cookies!

So, grab your baking pan, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the most amazing gluten-free caramel bars you’ve ever tasted. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out – leave a comment and let me know what you think!