Caramel Crush Bars – Delve into the heartwarming indulgence of Caramel Crush Bars. A recipe that promises. To bring a touch of sweetness. To your kitchen. Packed with the rich flavors of brown sugar. Buttery caramel, and a crumbly oat crust. These bars are the excellent treat. For any dessert lover. The main ingredients. Harmoniously blending. To create layers of texture and taste. Make this recipe a must-try. For those who adore. The tempting lure of caramel.
The first time I made these Caramel Crush Bars. It was on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The kitchen was filled with the warm. Inviting aroma of caramel as the bars baked. I remember the anticipation. That built as they cooled. Barely able to wait to taste the gooey caramel. And crunchy crust. When I finally did. The look of joy on my husband. And child’s faces said it all. This recipe quickly became a family dearest. Requested at gatherings. And cherished for its comforting sweetness.
What makes this Caramel Crush Bars truly stand out?
The Caramel Crush Bars stand apart. In the world of desserts. For their enchanting blend of textures. And flavors. Carefully crafted to offer a heavenly experience in each bite. The recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. Yet profoundly satisfying combination of a crumbly, oat-based crust. And a smooth. Rich caramel filling. Both made from scratch with love. Its ease of preparation. Makes it a delightful project. For bakers of all levels. Promising a gourmet outcome. That’s equally perfect for cozy family gatherings. Or as a show-stopping treat. At social events. Beyond their delicious taste. These bars embody the joy of homemade baking. Turning simple ingredients. Into unforgettable moments of sweetness. That linger in your memory. And on your taste buds.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Crush Bars Recipe?
Quick Oats: The unsung hero of our crust. These tiny flakes hold hands. Creating a tender. Yet sturdy foundation. That contrasts beautifully. With the silky caramel. Think of them. As the warm hug. That welcomes the rest of the ingredients.
All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our crust and filling. Providing structure and balance. It’s like a friend. Who always knows. How to bring everyone together. Ensuring the bars. Hold their shape. While enveloping your taste buds in comfort.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient is the heart. And the soul of our bars. Its deep, molasses-infused sweetness. Brings a cozy warmth. Imbuing the crust and caramel with a golden. Caramelized flavor. That feels like a sweet whisper from the past.
Unsalted Butter: The butter bathes everything in richness. Turning the crust. Into a crumbly delight. And the caramel into a velvety dream. It’s the kind of indulgence. That makes you close your eyes for a moment. Savoring the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth bliss.
Milk: A dash of milk in the caramel. Turns the filling into a soft, luscious layer. That gently clings to the crust. It’s like a gentle stream. That softens. And smooths everything it touches. Adding a hint of creaminess. That makes the caramel layer irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: A whisper of vanilla. Enhances the caramel. Infusing it with a fragrance. That lifts the soul. It’s like the final note in a symphony. Subtle yet essential. Bringing depth. And an almost ethereal quality to the bars.
Flour (in the filling): Just a touch more flour in the caramel. Thickens it to perfection. Ensuring it holds its shape. Without losing its tender, heartwarming texture. It’s the gentle hand. That guides the caramel. Ensuring it’s just right.
Steps To Make Caramel Crush Bars:
Step 1: Begin by melting the butter. Until it’s completely liquid. In a large bowl. Tenderly mix this butter. With the quick oats, flour, and brown sugar. This step feels like. You’re crafting the foundation of something truly special.
Step 2: Gently press two-thirds of this mixture. Into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 pan. Bake it at 325ºF for 10 minutes. Then let it cool. Filling your kitchen with a promise of sweetness to come.
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Step 3: For the filling. Melt butter in a saucepan. Blend in the brown sugar. Until it’s utterly smooth. This part feels like you’re weaving a caramel dream. Add milk. Vanilla, and flour. One after the other. Letting each ingredient meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Let it bubble slowly for about 3 minutes. Until it thickens. Stirring with love. And patience.
Step 5: Pour this golden caramel over the cooled crust. Spreading it with care. Then, sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top. Like a little blanket of sweetness.
Step 6: Bake at 300ºF for 20 more minutes. They’ll look a bit soft initially. But trust the process. They will solidify into chewy. Caramel goodness as they cool.
Tip:
For an elevated twist. On the Caramel Crush Bars. Consider lightly toasting the oats. Before mixing them into the crust. This simple step. Can dramatically enhance the flavor profile. Adding a deeper. Nuttier dimension that complements the sweetness of the caramel. Simply spread the oats on a baking sheet. And toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). For about 5-7 minutes. Or until they’re just golden and fragrant. Be sure to watch them closely. As they can go from perfectly toasted. To burnt quite quickly. Incorporating this extra layer of flavor. Turns these already irresistible bars. Into a truly gourmet experience. Making the recipe even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
Yes. But the texture will be slightly different. Quick oats give a finer, more cohesive crust. While rolled oats add more texture.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
They store well in an airtight container. And actually tastes even better the next day. As the flavors meld together.
Are these bars freezable?
They freeze beautifully. Just wrap them well. Or store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature. Or in the fridge overnight. Before serving.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramel Crush Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1.5 c quick oats
- 2.25 c flour
- 1.5 c brown sugar
- 1.25 c butter
Filling:
- 1/4 c butter
- 1 c brown sugar
- 1/4 c milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 tablespoon flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Grease or line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: Melt 1.25 cups of butter in a bowl. Add 1.5 cups of quick oats, 2.25 cups of flour, and 1.5 cups of brown sugar to the melted butter. Mix well until combined.
- Bake the Crust: Press two-thirds of the crust mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
- Prepare the Filling: While the crust is baking, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan. Add 1 cup of brown sugar, stir until smooth, then mix in 1/4 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Cook until it begins to thicken, about 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Assemble the Bars: Once the crust is cool, pour the caramel filling over it. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture on top.
- Final Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F. Bake the bars for 20 minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
- Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool before slicing into squares. Enjoy your homemade Caramel Crush Bars!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
