Description
Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a nostalgic dessert featuring a chewy, buttery oat crust layered with a smooth, homemade caramel filling and topped with a crumbly oat topping. This easy-to-make treat combines simple ingredients into a rich, gooey bar perfect for sharing or enjoying as a sweet snack at home. Ready in just 50 minutes, it offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy any caramel lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Topping
- 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 1.25 cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it for about 1-2 minutes until fully liquefied.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with 1.5 cups quick oats, 2.25 cups all-purpose flour, and 1.5 cups brown sugar. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly but still sticky.
- Form Crust: Press two-thirds of the crumbly mixture firmly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Make Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 0.25 cups butter. Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir until smooth and glossy. Stir in 0.25 cups milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour. Continue mixing until the filling is smooth.
- Simmer Filling: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then simmer while stirring constantly for 3 minutes to thicken the filling.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the hot caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust layer and spread it with a spatula.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining one-third reserved crumb mixture evenly over the caramel layer.
- Bake Bars: Lower oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake the assembled bars for 20 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into serving-sized bars for the best texture and ease of handling.
Notes
- Ensure the caramel mixture is stirred constantly during boiling to prevent burning or clumping.
- The bars must cool fully before slicing to allow the caramel to set properly.
- Use quick oats for a softer texture in the crust and topping.
- Storing the bars in an airtight container will keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Butter can be clarified if a less rich option is preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel bars, oat bars, caramel crush, homemade dessert, chewy bars, easy baking, caramel dessert
