Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe
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
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
- Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/4 cups of butter for about 30 seconds until completely liquid.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the prepared caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan.
- Add the Crust Topping: Sprinkle the reserved one-third of crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer to create a crunchy topping.
- 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.
- 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