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Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 99 reviews
  • Author: Marina
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightfully rich and chewy dessert featuring a buttery oat crust topped with a smooth, homemade caramel filling and a crumbly topping. Perfect for satisfying your sweet craving at home with easy-to-follow steps and a comforting classic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base

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

For the Caramel Filling

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

Instructions

  1. Melt butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl by heating it for about 1-2 minutes until completely liquefied, ensuring smooth incorporation into the dough.
  2. Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Stir thoroughly until a crumbly yet sticky mixture forms, which will serve as the crust.
  3. Press crust: Press two-thirds of the oat mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form a firm base layer.
  4. Bake crust: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove and allow it to cool for a few minutes to set.
  5. Prepare caramel filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining butter. Add brown sugar and mix until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
  6. Add liquids and thicken: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and flour continuously, making sure to achieve a smooth caramel filling with no lumps.
  7. Simmer caramel: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil then let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to thicken the filling.
  8. Assemble bars: Pour the thick caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust in the pan and spread with a spatula.
  9. Add topping: Sprinkle the reserved one-third oat mixture crumb topping evenly over the caramel layer.
  10. Bake final assembly: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (149°C) and bake the assembled bars for an additional 20 minutes.
  11. Cool and serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting them into individual servings to allow the caramel to set properly.

Notes

  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to one week to maintain freshness.
  • Make sure to allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean slices and optimal texture.
  • If you want a firmer crust, you can chill the base after pressing it into the pan before baking.
  • Experiment with adding a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel variation.
  • Tried this recipe? Share your experience and any creative twists you added!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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

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Find it online: https://marinamontclair.com/indulgent-caramel-crush-bars-dessert-recipe/