Here is a simple recipe for Caramel Crush Bars.
introduction
These Caramel Crush Bars have a buttery oat base, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate on top. They are easy to make and taste rich and sweet. If you like bar desserts, try an easy rhubarb bars recipe for a fruity variation and more baking ideas.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is quick, uses common ingredients, and makes a lot to share. The mix of oats, caramel, and chocolate is a crowd-pleaser. You can make it for parties, school snacks, or a simple dessert at home.
how to make Caramel Crush Bars
Preheat the oven and prepare a pan. Cream butter and sugar, then add dry ingredients and vanilla. Press half the dough into the pan and bake a short time. Add caramel and chocolate, then crumble the rest of the dough on top. Bake again until golden. Let cool completely before cutting so the bars hold together.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, oats, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the baked layer, then sprinkle chocolate chips evenly.
- Crumble the remaining mixture over the top of the chocolate chips and caramel.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
how to serve Caramel Crush Bars
Cut the bars into squares once fully cool. Serve them at room temperature. For extra flair, warm a bar slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. These bars also pair well with coffee or milk.
how to store Caramel Crush Bars
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to one week. To freeze, wrap bars in plastic and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Caramel Crush Bars
- Use room temperature butter so it creams easily.
- Press the bottom layer evenly to make a firm base.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly if it is very thick so it spreads easily.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid messy pieces.
- If chocolate chips do not melt fully, broil for 30 seconds and watch closely.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the top for crunch.
- Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate.
- Swap half of the oats for shredded coconut for a different texture.
- Try salted caramel sauce and a light sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can, but butter gives better flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. Refrigerate the dough up to 2 days before pressing and baking.
Q: What if my caramel is very runny?
A: Chill the caramel a bit so it is thicker before drizzling, or warm the base just slightly before adding caramel to help it set.
Q: Can I bake in a different sized pan?
A: Yes. If you use a smaller or larger pan, adjust the baking time and check for golden color.
Q: Are these bars nut-free?
A: The base recipe is nut-free, but check your caramel and chocolate labels and avoid adding nuts if you need to keep them nut-free.
Caramel Crush Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make bars with a buttery oat base, gooey caramel, and melted chocolate on top. Perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the flour, oats, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
- Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the baked layer, then sprinkle chocolate chips evenly.
- Crumble the remaining mixture over the top of the chocolate chips and caramel.
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for easier mixing. Let the bars cool completely before cutting for cleaner pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg