Description

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delectably rich dessert featuring a buttery oat crust topped with a smooth, homemade caramel filling. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and gooey sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. With a modest preparation time and simple ingredients, this recipe is an easy way to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.

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 by heating it for about 1-2 minutes until fully liquefied and smooth.
Prepare Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Stir well until a sticky, crumbly dough forms.
Form Crust Base: Press two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, ensuring the surface is even and compact.
Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the crust base for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
Make Caramel Filling: Heat remaining melted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
Add Remaining Filling Ingredients: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and flour, mixing constantly to create a smooth caramel batter.
Simmer Filling: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes while stirring constantly to thicken the filling.
Assemble Bars: Pour the caramel filling evenly over the baked and cooled crust layer. Spread the reserved crust crumbs evenly on top as a crumbly topping.
Final Bake: Lower oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 minutes until set and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares for serving.

Notes

Make sure the crust is firmly pressed into the pan to prevent crumbling when cutting.
Do not overcook the caramel filling; simmer gently to avoid burning.
Cooling completely is essential for the bars to set properly and hold their shape.
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

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

Keywords: caramel bars, caramel crush bars, dessert bars, homemade caramel dessert, oat crust bars, easy dessert recipes, caramel dessert