Pre-heat the oven to 325 and grease a 9 x 13 pan liberally with softened butter or shortening. Set up a stand mixer with the paddle attachment and combine the butter and sugar in its bowl for the crust. Beat them together well until fluffy. Add the vanilla next. Then turn the speed to low and slowly add the flour until it is just worked in to be a soft dough. Divide the dough in half and press the first half out into a thin, even layer in the prepared pan. Bake it for 15 minutes, then let it cool.

While the crust bakes and cools, prepare the filling. Combine the caramels, heavy cream and sugar in a large, microwave safe bowl. Microwave it for a minute and then give it a stir. Then microwave it for another 30 seconds and stir it again. If it still is not completely melted let it go for another 30 seconds and stir it again until it is completely smooth and shiny. Pour the filling evenly over the bottom crust and then sprinkle the salt evenly over the caramel.

Take the second half of dough and crumble it in an even layer on top of the caramel. Bake the assemble bars for another 15-20 minutes, until just golden. Let the pan cool for about 20 minutes, then cover it and refrigerate it for a couple of hours at least. This makes them easier to cut. Then cut the bars into the size you want and serve them!