Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Crush Bars are a mouthwatering blend of buttery oats and rich caramel that will delight your taste buds. With a crisp oat crust and a luscious caramel center, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they’re sure to become a favorite treat in your home.

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 fully liquid.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, quick oats, all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Press two-thirds of this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch pan to form the base.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat, stirring continuously until it bubbles gently.
5. Step 5: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar until completely smooth and combined.
6. Step 6: Gradually add 1/4 cup milk while stirring, then mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons flour.
7. Step 7: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
8. Step 8: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust in the pan.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the caramel layer as a topping.
10. Step 10: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes or until the top turns golden brown.
11. Step 11: Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut into squares and serve at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust mixture.
• Use quick oats for a finer texture, or old-fashioned oats for a chewier bite.
• Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• To make the caramel smoother, stir constantly while simmering to prevent lumps.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, let chilled bars come to room temperature, or warm slightly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter for this recipe?

Yes, but reduce any added salt in other parts of your recipe since salted butter adds extra saltiness. It can enhance the caramel flavor as well.

How do I prevent the caramel from becoming grainy?

Stir the caramel continuously while melting and simmering to ensure the sugar dissolves completely and doesn’t crystallize. Using fresh ingredients and the exact quantities also helps maintain a smooth consistency.

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 130 reviews

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars combine a crisp oat and brown sugar crust with a rich, smooth caramel filling, baked to golden perfection. These bars are easy to prepare, featuring a buttery oat crust and a luscious caramel center, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion from weeknight dessert to weekend brunch.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 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

• 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, ensuring it is ready to mix with the dry ingredients.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with 1 1/2 cups quick oats, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar until thoroughly combined to form the crust mixture.
3. Press the Crust Mixture: Reserve one-third of the crust mixture for the topping, then press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form an even base.
4. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter, stirring continuously until it starts to bubble gently.
5. Mix in Brown Sugar: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined with the melted butter.
6. Add Milk and Flour: Gradually stir in 1/4 cup milk, then add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons flour, mixing well to create a smooth caramel sauce.
7. Simmer the Caramel: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and allow it to simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
8. Assemble the Bars: Pour the thickened caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust base in the baking pan.
9. Add the Crust Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer, gently pressing it down slightly.
10. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden color.
11. Cut and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature; then cut into squares and serve for a decadent treat.

Notes

• Use quick oats as they help achieve the perfect crumbly texture for the crust.
• Be sure to stir the caramel filling continuously to avoid scorching and achieve a smooth consistency.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape well.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For a richer taste, substitute whole milk with heavy cream in the caramel filling.

Keywords: Caramel bars, oat bars, dessert bars, caramel crush bars, easy dessert, baked caramel bars