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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it for about 1-2 minutes until completely liquefied.
- 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.
- Form Crust Base: Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch pan to form an even crust layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing continuously to create a smooth caramel filling.
- Simmer Caramel: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust base, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved third of the crust mixture evenly over the caramel filling to create a crumb topping.
- Final Bake: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake the assembled bars for another 20 minutes.
- 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
