Name: Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Introduction

These Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful treat that combines a buttery oat crust with a rich, smooth caramel filling. Perfect for bringing comfort and sweetness to any occasion, they are easy to make and sure to be loved by all.

This image shows two stacked square bars with four layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust. On top of that is a dark brown packed filling with a rough texture. Above that is a smooth, glossy caramel layer with a light golden color. The top layer is a clear, shiny glaze with scattered small chopped nuts, adding texture and color contrast. The bars rest on a surface with a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (additional)
1 cup brown sugar (for caramel filling)
0.25 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

Step 1: Melt 1.25 cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating for 1-2 minutes until fully liquefied.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and 1.5 cups of brown sugar. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly yet sticky.
Step 3: Press two-thirds of this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan to form the crust.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Then allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Step 5: Melt the remaining 0.25 cups of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 6: Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the melted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
Step 7: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of flour, mixing continuously to create a smooth caramel filling.
Step 8: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
Step 9: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust and spread with a spatula.
Step 10: Sprinkle the reserved one-third portion of the crust mixture over the caramel as a topping.
Step 11: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake for another 20 minutes. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel filling to create salted caramel bars.
Use old-fashioned rolled oats if you prefer a chewier texture in the crust.
Try adding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the crust or as a topping for added crunch.
To make the bars more decadent, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before slicing.

Storage

Store the Caramel Crush Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave until soft but not melted, about 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

Two square nut bars stacked on top of each other on a white plate, placed on a white marbled texture. Each bar has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a light brown crumbly crust, the middle layer is a darker brown nut and filling mixture with a slightly grainy texture, and the top layer is a glossy caramel-colored topping with small chopped nuts scattered unevenly. The edges of the bars show some crumbly bits and the lighting highlights the shine on the caramel layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce any additional salt in the recipe if you decide to add some, to keep the balance of flavors.

Can these bars be frozen?

Absolutely. Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.