Description
Caramel Crush Bars are a delectable dessert featuring a buttery oat and flour crust layered with rich, homemade caramel. Baked to perfection, these bars offer a delightful combination of chewy texture and sweet caramel flavor, perfect for any occasion or sweet craving.
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 flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Melt 1 1/4 cups of butter completely. In a large bowl, combine melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Mix well until evenly incorporated. Press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 325ºF for 10 minutes. Once baked, allow it to cool completely. Reserve the remaining one-third of the crust mixture to use as a topping later.
- Make the Caramel Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir continuously until smooth, about 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, vanilla extract, and flour one at a time, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth mixture. Bring this caramel mixture to a slow boil and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens. Remove from heat once desired consistency is reached.
- Assemble and Bake: Once the crust in the pan is cool to the touch, evenly pour the caramel filling over it. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the top layer. Bake the assembled bars in the oven at 300ºF for an additional 20 minutes. The bars may appear 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 cutting into squares. Chill if desired for firmer texture. Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of oat crust and rich caramel.
Notes
- To ensure even baking, press the crust mixture firmly into the pan.
- The caramel layer will seem a bit runny right after baking but sets nicely upon cooling.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding chopped nuts to the crust or sprinkles on top.
