Delicious Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

Introduction

Delicious Caramel Crush Bars combine a buttery oat crust with a rich, homemade caramel layer, topped off with a crunchy crumble. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups butter, melted
• ¼ cup butter (for caramel layer)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for caramel layer)
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour (for caramel layer)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with oats, flour, and brown sugar until you get a crumbly texture.
2. Step 2: Scoop about two-thirds of this mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Press it down firmly and bake at 325ºF for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool.
3. Step 3: Save the remaining one-third of the oat mixture to use as a topping later.
4. Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter for the caramel layer.
5. Step 5: Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir until smooth and glossy, about one minute.
6. Step 6: Stir in milk, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Step 7: Let the mixture come to a gentle boil and keep stirring for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stay attentive to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and allow the caramel to rest briefly.
9. Step 9: Pour the caramel evenly over the cooled oat crust in the pan.
10. Step 10: Crumble the reserved oat mixture over the caramel layer, covering it like a buttery blanket.
11. Step 11: Bake at 300ºF for about 20 minutes. The bars may look soft and jiggly when done, but they will firm up as they cool.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat mixture before baking.
• Use parchment paper in the pan for easier removal and cleaner slices.
• Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Make these bars ahead of time; the flavors develop beautifully after resting overnight.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To enjoy, bring to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for a soft, gooey treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can substitute old-fashioned oats, but the bars will have a chewier texture. Quick oats blend more smoothly into the crumbly base.

How do I know when the caramel is thick enough?

The caramel should thicken slightly during the 3-minute gentle boil and coat the back of a spoon. It won’t be very thick like fudge but will firm up once baked and cooled.

Delicious Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

Delicious Caramel Crush Bars feature a buttery oat base topped with a rich, homemade caramel layer and finished with a crumbly oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert bar balances textures and flavors perfectly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Base & Topping:

• 1 ½ cups quick-cooking oats
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer:

• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

1. Prepare the base mixture: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, quick-cooking oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes crumbly.
2. Press and bake the crust: Scoop about two-thirds of the oat mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan. Press it down firmly to form an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 325ºF for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.
3. Reserve remaining oat mixture: Keep the remaining one-third of the oat mixture aside for the topping.
4. Melt butter for caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter, stirring gently.
5. Add brown sugar: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy, about one minute.
6. Incorporate milk, vanilla, and flour: Stir in ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
7. Cook caramel to thicken: Bring the mixture to a slow, gentle boil, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stay attentive to avoid burning.
8. Remove from heat and rest: Take the saucepan off the heat and let the caramel mixture rest briefly.
9. Pour caramel over crust: Once the crust has cooled, evenly pour the warm caramel layer over it.
10. Add crumbly topping: Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture evenly over the caramel layer, covering it like a buttery blanket.
11. Bake the assembled bars: Bake the whole pan at 300ºF for approximately 20 minutes. The bars may seem soft and slightly jiggly when done but will set as they cool.

Notes

• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
• For a firmer caramel, extend baking time by a few minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Use parchment paper for easier removal and clean-up.
• Quick-cooking oats can be substituted with old-fashioned oats for a chewier texture.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Keywords: caramel bars, oatmeal bars, dessert bars, caramel crush bars, easy baked desserts, oat topping, homemade caramel