Description
Caramel Crush Bars are a delectable dessert featuring a buttery oat and flour crust layered with a rich, creamy caramel filling. These bars are baked to perfection, resulting in a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is perfect for gatherings or an indulgent snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups butter, melted
Caramel Filling
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Melt 1 1/4 cups of butter completely. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 1/2 cups quick oats, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 325ºF for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely. Keep the remaining one-third of the crust mixture aside for topping.
- Make the caramel filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add 1 cup brown sugar and stir continuously until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add 1/4 cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons flour, stirring constantly after each addition. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency. Once thickened, remove from heat.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the prepared caramel filling evenly over the cooled crust in the baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved one-third crust mixture evenly over the caramel layer. Bake again at 300ºF for 20 minutes. The bars may look slightly runny immediately after baking but will firm up as they cool completely.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature before slicing into 15 pieces. This ensures the caramel sets properly for clean cuts and the best texture.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the caramel to prevent the filling from melting and becoming too runny.
- Be sure to stir continuously when cooking the caramel to avoid burning or lumps.
- Use a greased or parchment-lined pan to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- The bars taste best after chilling in the refrigerator for an hour to set firmly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
