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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/indulgent-caramel-crush-bars-recipe/