Indulgent Caramel Crush Bars
These delicious and addictive caramel bars have a sturdy oat-and-flour crust that perfectly supports a gooey layer of caramel, making for a nostalgic treat that is both simple to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1.25 cups butter, melted Melted butter adds richness to the crust.
- 1.5 cups quick oats Quick oats give a finer crumb.
- 2.25 cups all-purpose flour Regular all-purpose flour works best.
- 1.5 cups brown sugar Brown sugar adds moisture and flavor.
For the Caramel Filling
- 0.25 cups butter, melted Used for the caramel layer.
- 1 cups brown sugar Adds sweetness and a rich flavor.
- 0.25 cups milk Can be substituted with non-dairy milk.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Enhances the flavor of the caramel.
- 2 tablespoons flour Helps thicken the caramel.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven and line your baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, quick oats, 2.25 cups flour, and 1.5 cups brown sugar until the mixture resembles sandy crumbs.
- Press half of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Caramel Creation
- In a saucepan, melt 0.25 cups butter and 1 cup brown sugar over low heat.
- Stir in 0.25 cups milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, simmering until the mixture is glossy.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining oat mixture on top of the caramel and gently press it down.
Baking
- Bake the bars in the preheated oven until golden around the edges, approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Allow to cool before slicing with a warm knife for cleaner cuts.
Notes
For best results, slice the bars with a warm knife. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or refrigerated for firmer caramel.