Introduction to Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Welcome to the delightful world of Caramel Crush Bars Dessert! Busy days can sometimes take over, and you just don’t get to spend hours baking as I do, fear not — this recipe is for a quick, sinfully delightful treat. Oat crust and sweet caramel filling make for an outstanding marriage. These are ideal for those busy moms who need to surprise their loved ones but have no time to stand for hours in the kitchen savoring rich flavors and happy smiles of your family while getting ‘on-the-the trip’ mode with very scrumptious treats. Let’s get going in this really easy and scrumptious journey!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
What’s not to love about Caramel Crush Bars Dessert? They come together in under an hour, making them a perfect solution for a spontaneous gathering or a cozy family night. The sweet, gooey caramel paired with a crunchy oat crust creates a texture harmony that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, giving you more time to enjoy the smiles on your loved ones’ faces. Trust me, you’ll be reaching for seconds!
Ingredients for Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this Caramel Crush Bars Dessert an absolute favorite! Each component plays a role in creating that irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Quick oats: These are the heart of the chewy, crunchy crust. They provide a lovely texture and wholesome flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for binding everything together, giving the crust its sturdy base.
- Brown sugar: It adds that lovely depth of sweetness, with a hint of molasses flavor. Perfect for both the crust and the filling!
- Butter: The key to a rich, buttery taste. It ensures the crust is crumbly and the filling is gooey.
- Milk: Just a little adds creaminess to the caramel filling, enhancing its texture.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the overall flavor, adding warmth and complexity.
- Extra flour (for filling): This helps thicken the caramel, making it perfectly spreadable and less runny.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chocolate chips for a delightful twist, or use whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Remember, the exact quantities are available at the bottom of the article, and you can even print the recipe for convenience!
How to Make Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Now comes the fun part—creating your Caramel Crush Bars Dessert! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delectable treat that will impress anyone who’s lucky enough to taste it. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first, you’ll need to melt 1 1/4 cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan. Make sure it’s completely melted.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 1/2 cups quick oats, 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups brown sugar. Stir well until everything is mixed together.
Now, take two-thirds of this delicious mixture and press it evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan. This forms the base for your bars, so don’t rush it—make it even!
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325ºF. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. It’s a short bake but trust me, it’s worth it! Once done, remove it and set the crust aside to cool.
While it’s cooling, resist the urge to sneak a bite—though I won’t judge if you do!
Step 3: Make the Caramel Filling
Now, in a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of brown sugar, mixing until smooth, around 1 minute.
Next, gradually add in 1/4 cup of milk, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mix to a slow boil and keep stirring until it thickens, about 3 minutes. The aroma is divine!
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
With your crust cool and caramel ready, it’s time to pour that luscious caramel filling over the crust. Spread it evenly for that perfect bite!
Now, take the last third of your crust mixture that you set aside earlier and sprinkle it generously over the caramel. It’ll create a lovely crunchy topping!
Step 5: Final Bake and Cool
Pop the assembled bars back into the oven, but this time at 300ºF for about 20 minutes. They may look a bit runny when you pull them out, but don’t worry! They’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Patience is key here; cutting too soon will result in messy bars!
Tips for Success
- Always use quick oats for the best texture and chewiness.
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the caramel.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars for clean edges.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan—any rectangular or square baking dish works.
- Mixing bowls—use glass or plastic, whatever you have handy.
- Spatula—flexible ones help in spreading the mixture smoothly.
- Medium saucepan—an alternative could be a medium-sized pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons—for accuracy, but eyeballing can be fun too!
Variations for Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the crust for an extra crunch and a rich flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the caramel filling for a decadent twist.
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate chopped apples or pears into the filling for a fruity surprise!
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter and replace milk with almond or soy milk for a plant-based treat.
Serving Suggestions for Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
- Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful à la mode experience.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzled chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Present on a beautiful platter, perhaps with fresh fruit for color and freshness.
FAQs about Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Can I make Caramel Crush Bars Dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars store well, making them perfect for meal prep. You can make them up to a week in advance. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container. They’ll maintain their delicious flavor and texture!
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
To achieve clean cuts, it’s best to use a sharp knife. Make sure the bars have cooled completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and prevents the caramel from getting messy.
Can I freeze Caramel Crush Bars Dessert?
Yes, you can freeze these tasty treats for later. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature.
How can I avoid the bars being too runny?
The key is to let them cool completely after baking. Also, ensure you’re following the recipe closely with the right amount of flour for thickening the caramel. If they seem a bit runny out of the oven, don’t worry—they will firm up as they cool.
What’s a good pairing for Caramel Crush Bars Dessert?
These bars are a delight on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of ice cream or a cup of coffee elevates the experience! A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream balances the sweet caramel perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Creating Caramel Crush Bars Dessert is like writing a love letter to your family. The joy of pulling these warm, gooey squares from the oven fills your home with a comforting aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen. With very little effort, you’ll witness happy smiles and hear delightful “Mmm”s with every bite. These bars bring not just sweetness to your day, but unforgettable moments around the dinner table. So go ahead, whip up this delightful dessert, and let it transform your ordinary day into something extraordinary with every delicious slice!
Print
Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Crush Bars Dessert is a delicious treat with a sweet caramel filling and a crunchy oat crust that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups butter
- 1/4 cup butter (for filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp flour (for filling)
Instructions
- Melt 1 1/4 cups butter completely. Mix the melted butter with quick oats, all-purpose flour, and brown sugar. Press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan.
- Bake at 325ºF for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool. Set aside the remaining one-third of the crust mixture for topping.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Add milk, vanilla extract, and flour one at a time while stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a slow boil and cook for about 3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir continuously, then remove from heat.
- When the crust is cool to the touch, pour the caramel filling evenly over it. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture over the top.
- Bake at 300ºF for an additional 20 minutes. The bars may appear runny but will firm up as they cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure to use quick oats for the best texture.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
