Introduction to Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Hey! So if you’re anything like me, you’ve got to have something sweet to make any day of the week feel special. Enter my Caramel Crush Bars Dessert: buttery crunchy based dessert bars that house a gooey-rich caramel that’s impossible to pass up. It is something that busy moms or professionals can very easily use to satisfy their sweet tooth. Enjoy these with family or friends, because they complement both; when people gather, whether for a weekend get-together or little celebration in the evening, there’s the golden way of making unforgettable moments, and it’s through caramel enjoyment!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Imagine coming home after a long day and finding these magnificent Caramel Crush Bars Dessert waiting for you. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 50 minutes from prep to plate. The taste? Oh, it’s a heavenly mix of sweet and buttery goodness. You can customize them to suit your family’s preferences. This dessert is a sweet hug that wraps around your busy life, making every bite worth savoring.
Ingredients for Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Let’s gather the star players for this Caramel Crush Bars Dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Quick oats: These give the bars a chewy texture and a hearty feel, perfect for flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the crust, providing that lovely structure.
- Brown sugar: Both the sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor come from this ingredient.
- Butter: The magic ingredient that brings richness and helps bind everything together.
- Milk: It adds creaminess to the caramel filling, ensuring it’s smooth and luscious.
- Vanilla extract: This elevates the flavor profile, making each bite feel like a warm hug.
- Additional flour: Just a touch to thicken the caramel—don’t skip this step!
Optional ingredients might include nuts or chocolate chips if you want to mix things up a bit. Trust me; a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a layer of dark chocolate could take these bars to a whole new level! Don’t forget, precise measurements can be found at the end of the article for easy printing.
How to Make Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Crust Base
Let’s get started with the crust because it lays the foundation for our Caramel Crush Bars Dessert. First, melt 1 1/4 cups of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. It should be completely melted, so it mixes well with the other ingredients.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 1/2 cups of quick oats, 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, and 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar. Stir until all the ingredients are well blended. You want a crumbly yet slightly sticky texture to help it hold together.
Now, press about two-thirds of this mixture firmly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13 inch pan, creating an even base. Bake this for 10 minutes at 325ºF. This initial baking will start to set the crust. Once done, let it cool while we whip up our gooey caramel filling.
Step 2: Create the Gooey Caramel Filling
For that irresistible caramel filling, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add in 1 cup of brown sugar. Stir the mixture for about one minute until it’s smooth and well combined.
Next, it’s time to bring the creaminess to our filling! Gradually stir in 1/4 cup of milk while enjoying the heavenly aroma. Add the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and the 2 tablespoons of flour one at a time, stirring continuously. This will thicken our filling.
Now, bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it begins to thicken—that’s the gooey magic we crave!
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust is cool to the touch, it’s time for the fun part. Pour that delicious caramel filling evenly over the baked crust and spread it out with a spatula. The filling should cover every nook and cranny!
Now, remember those reserved crumbs from our crust mixture? Sprinkle them generously over the caramel filling. This creates a beautiful topping and adds that extra crunch.
Finally, bake your assembled dessert in the oven at 300ºF for another 20 minutes. While the bars may look a bit runny when they come out, don’t stress! They’ll firm up wonderfully as they cool completely. Patience is key when it comes to this dessert!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the caramel filling for best results.
- Use a spatula to evenly spread the caramel; it helps in creating a uniform layer.
- If you like a crunch, consider adding some nuts to the topping!
- Experiment with different flavored extracts like almond for a unique twist.
- For perfect cuts, wait until the dessert is completely cool before slicing.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan: A classic choice; you can also use a glass dish if that’s what you have.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butter; any heatproof bowl works too.
- Mixing bowls: A couple of medium bowls will do for combining ingredients.
- Spatula: Essential for spreading—that’s non-negotiable for even layers!
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure success; you can wing it with a scale!
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a delicious crunch and extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in some chocolate chips into the caramel filling or sprinkle them on top before the final bake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delightful gluten-free treat.
- Fruit Infusion: Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and burst of sweetness.
- Spices Galore: Add ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the caramel beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Caramel Crush Bars Dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
- Consider serving alongside a rich cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk.
- For a fancy touch, garnish with a sprig of mint or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Present them on a beautiful plate and cut into squares for perfect portions.
- For holiday gatherings, sprinkle with powdered sugar to add a festive flair!
FAQs about Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
Curious about making these Caramel Crush Bars Dessert? Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you on your baking journey:
Can I make these Caramel Crush Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious!
What should I do if my bars are too gooey?
If your bars are too gooey, they might need a bit more time to cool down. Allow them to sit at room temperature for a few hours. If you find they’re still runny, a quick pop in the fridge can help firm them up.
Can I freeze these bars?
You can! Simply cut the bars into squares and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
What can I substitute for brown sugar?
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar mixed with a little molasses to achieve that rich flavor. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar—it works beautifully!
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
When baking, look for a slight golden color on the top and a firm texture around the edges. The center may still be a bit soft but will set as they cool. Trust your instincts!
Final Thoughts
Creating these Caramel Crush Bars Dessert is more than just a baking project; it’s a journey filled with sweet aromas and joyous moments. Each layer of buttery crust and gooey caramel provides a reminder that simplicity can lead to delicious satisfaction. Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick weeknight dessert or sharing them at a family gathering, these bars bring smiles and warm hearts. Allow yourself the joy of baking something special. Trust me, every bite of these bars will make your day a little sweeter!
Print
Caramel Crush Bars Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious caramel crush bars with a sweet and gooey filling, perfect for dessert lovers.
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
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp flour
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 the bars are completely cooled before cutting for best texture.
- You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for several days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
