Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

Introduction

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars offer a perfect blend of a buttery oat crust and a rich, gooey caramel filling. These bars are easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends with their sweet, satisfying flavor. A wonderful treat for any occasion, from weeknight desserts to brunch gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups quick oats
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/4 cups of butter for about 30 seconds until completely liquid.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, quick oats, all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Mix well to form the crust mixture.
3. Step 3: Grease a 9×13 inch pan and press two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom. Set the remaining mixture aside for topping.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter, stirring continuously until it bubbles.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth and fully combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually add 1/4 cup of milk while stirring, then mix in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of flour until incorporated.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer for about 3 minutes, or until the caramel thickens.
8. Step 8: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the pressed crust in the pan.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
10. Step 10: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for 20 minutes, or until the top turns a golden hue.
11. Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust mixture.
• Use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• If the caramel thickens too much during simmering, add a splash more milk to loosen it up before pouring.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, but the texture will be a bit chewier and heartier since old-fashioned oats are coarser. Quick oats blend more smoothly into the crust.

What is the best way to prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?

Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or use parchment paper to line the pan before pressing in the crust mixture. This helps with easy removal and cleaner cuts.

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 78 reviews

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful treat combining a hearty oat and brown sugar crust with a rich, smooth caramel filling. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making them ideal for dessert or a sweet snack. Easy to prepare, they bake to a golden finish that will wow your taste buds and guests alike.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups Butter (melted)
• 1 1/2 cups Quick oats
• 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups Brown sugar

Caramel Filling Ingredients

• 1/4 cup Butter
• 1 cup Brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons Flour

Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/4 cups of butter for about 30 seconds until completely liquid.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the melted butter, quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is uniform.
3. Press the Crust Mixture: Reserve one-third of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base crust.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter, stirring continuously until the butter bubbles and is fully melted.
5. Mix in Brown Sugar: Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes completely smooth and the sugar dissolves.
6. Add Milk and Flour: Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of milk, then mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of flour to thicken the caramel.
7. Simmer the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
8. Assemble the Bars: Pour the prepared caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan.
9. Add the Crust Topping: Sprinkle the reserved one-third of crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer to create a crunchy topping.
10. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden color.
11. Cut and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. Serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the caramel filling is simmered properly to achieve the right thickness for easy slicing.
• You can substitute whole milk with cream for a richer caramel flavor.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when cutting.

Keywords: Caramel bars, oat crust, dessert bars, sweet treats, caramel crush bars, easy dessert