Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in these rich and chewy Caramel Crush Bars, a delightful homemade dessert perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With a buttery oat crust and a luscious caramel filling, they’re sure to become a favorite treat to share with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1.25 cups butter, melted (for the base)
• 1.5 cups quick oats
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups brown sugar (for the base)
• 0.25 cups butter, melted (for the caramel filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for the caramel filling)
• 0.25 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt 1.25 cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it for 1–2 minutes until fully liquefied.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and 1.5 cups brown sugar. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly yet sticky.
3. Step 3: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan, forming the crust.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
5. Step 5: Melt 0.25 cups butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add 1 cup brown sugar, stirring until smooth and glossy.
6. Step 6: Mix in milk, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour, stirring continuously until the caramel filling is smooth.
7. Step 7: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil and simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved one-third of the crumb mixture over the top of the caramel layer as a topping.
10. Step 10: Bake at 300°F (149°C) for 20 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use light brown sugar for a milder caramel flavor or dark brown sugar for a richer taste.
• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumb mixture before baking.
• If you prefer a softer topping, press the reserved crumbs gently into the caramel layer before baking.

Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week. To enjoy, bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a gooey treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, but old-fashioned oats will give a chewier texture. You may want to pulse them slightly in a food processor for a finer consistency that blends better with the crust.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning while cooking?

Stir the caramel mixture constantly over medium heat and avoid high heat. Once it comes to a gentle boil, lower the heat to keep it simmering without scorching.

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 63 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a deliciously sweet and chewy dessert featuring a buttery oat and brown sugar crust, topped with a rich homemade caramel filling and crumbly topping. Perfect for satisfying your caramel cravings at home with simple ingredients and an easy baking process.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base

• 1.25 cups butter, melted
• 1.5 cups quick oats
• 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups brown sugar

For the Caramel Filling

• 0.25 cups butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Melt the Butter: Heat the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 1-2 minutes until completely liquefied to prepare for the crust mixture.
2. Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Stir until you get a crumbly yet sticky mixture.
3. Form the Crust: Press two-thirds of the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan to create the base of the bars.
4. Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then remove and cool for a few minutes.
5. Make the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Add the brown sugar and stir until smooth and glossy.
6. Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and flour, continuously mixing to make a smooth caramel filling.
7. Simmer Caramel: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning and to thicken the filling.
8. Assemble Bars: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust and spread it with a spatula.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved one-third of the crumb crust mixture over the caramel layer to create a crunchy topping.
10. Bake the Bars: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C). Bake for an additional 20 minutes until the topping is lightly golden and the caramel is set.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into individual bars for serving.

Notes

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• For easier cutting, chill bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing.
• Try adding chopped nuts to the crumb mixture for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a thicker caramel, simmer the filling for an additional minute but be careful not to burn it.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel bars, Caramel dessert, Oat bars, Brown sugar bars, Homemade caramel, Easy dessert, Sweet bars