Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert You’ll Love at Home Recipe

Introduction

These Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful blend of a chewy oat crust and a rich, gooey caramel filling. Perfect for any occasion, they bring a comforting sweetness with every bite and are surprisingly easy to make. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy afternoon treat, these bars are sure to satisfy your dessert cravings.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt 1.25 cups butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating for 1-2 minutes until fully liquefied.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with quick oats, 2.25 cups all-purpose flour, and 1.5 cups brown sugar. Stir until you get a crumbly yet sticky mixture.
3. Step 3: Press about two-thirds of this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan to form the crust.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), then bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
5. Step 5: Melt the remaining 0.25 cups butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Step 6: Stir in the milk, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour continuously until the caramel filling is smooth.
7. Step 7: Bring the filling to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
8. Step 8: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the reserved crust crumbs over the caramel filling as a topping.
10. Step 10: Bake again at 300°F (149°C) for 20 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the caramel filling before baking.
• Use brown sugar with higher molasses content for a deeper, richer caramel flavor.
• Press the crust firmly and evenly to create a sturdy base that holds the caramel well.
• If you prefer a softer crust, reduce the baking time of the crust by a few minutes.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. Reheat slightly in the microwave to soften the caramel before serving, if desired.

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 chewier and the bars may be a bit denser. You can pulse old-fashioned oats in a food processor briefly to mimic quick oats.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Stir continuously while simmering the caramel and keep the heat at medium to low. This helps ensure the caramel cooks evenly without sticking or burning.

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert You’ll Love at Home Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 109 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x

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Description

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a chewy, buttery oat crust topped with a rich, homemade caramel filling and a crunchy crumb topping. Perfect for family gatherings or a sweet treat any time, these bars combine nostalgic flavors with simple ingredients for an easy yet impressive bake.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

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

Caramel Filling

• 0.25 cups butter (melted)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 0.25 cups milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

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Instructions

1. Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it for about 1-2 minutes until completely liquefied.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: Combine the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir until a crumbly yet sticky mixture forms.
3. Form Crust Base: Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan to form an even crust layer.
4. Pre-Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the crust layer for 10 minutes. Once done, allow it to cool for a few minutes.
5. Prepare Caramel Filling: Melt the remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Add Liquid Ingredients: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing continuously to create 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 prevent burning.
8. Assemble Bars: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved third of the crust mixture evenly over the caramel filling to create a crumb topping.
10. Final Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake the assembled bars for another 20 minutes.
11. Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

• Use quick oats for the best texture in the crust.
• Ensure the caramel filling is stirred constantly during simmering to avoid burning.
• Allow bars to cool completely to ensure they set properly.
• Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• For extra richness, consider adding a pinch of salt to the caramel filling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel bars, caramel crush bars, oat bars, easy dessert recipe, homemade caramel dessert, chocolate-free dessert, gooey caramel bars