salted caramel bars

I got this recipe from my mom, who got it from our friend (and amazing cook) Natalie Harris.  Whenever my mom makes these I get (a little too) excited.  They are so good... and so bad.  But mostly SO GOOD!

Combine the following to form a soft dough:

4 sticks butter, softened
1 c sugar
1 1/2 c powdered sugar
2 tbsp vanilla
4 c flour


When soft dough is formed, put 2/3 of it into a 9 x 13 greased pan.  Press gently into pan.  Bake at 325 degrees for 15 minutes.  When done let cool for an additional 15 minutes.


Melt together the following ingredients then pour over cooled crust:

1 14oz bag caramels
1/3 c heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla


Drop remaining dough on top.  Sprinkle with coarse salt (1 tbsp).  Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.