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Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 52 reviews

Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery oat crust layered with a rich, homemade caramel filling. These bars offer a perfect balance of chewy and gooey textures with a hint of vanilla, making them a crowd-pleaser ideal for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward, requiring simple ingredients and baking to a golden perfection that will wow your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups Butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups Quick oats
  • 2 1/4 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Brown sugar

Caramel Filling

  • 1/4 cup Butter
  • 1 cup Brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Milk
  • 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 1/4 cups of butter for about 30 seconds until completely liquid, preparing it for the crust mixture.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with 1 1/2 cups of quick oats, 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar until combined evenly.
  3. Press the Crust Mixture: Reserve one-third of the crust mixture for topping and press the remaining two-thirds firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the base layer.
  4. Prepare the Caramel Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter, stirring continuously until it starts to bubble gently.
  5. Mix in Brown Sugar: Add 1 cup of brown sugar to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  6. Add Milk and Flour: Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of milk followed by 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of flour, ensuring the mixture is smooth without lumps.
  7. Simmer the Caramel: Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  8. Assemble the Bars: Pour the thickened caramel filling evenly over the pressed crust in the baking pan, spreading it carefully.
  9. Add the Crust Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer to create a crumbly topping.
  10. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes or until the top turns a golden hue and the bars are set.
  11. Cut and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars and serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is fully melted for even mixing in the crust and caramel layers.
  • Press the crust mixture firmly to create a solid base that holds the caramel filling securely.
  • Simmering the caramel filling is key to achieving a thick, gooey texture without it being too runny.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges and avoid caramel spilling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Keywords: caramel bars, oat bars, dessert bars, easy caramel recipe, homemade caramel dessert, buttery oat crust, sweet treats, baking recipe

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