Caramel Crush Bars are the ultimate answer to every caramel lover’s dessert dreams. Imagine a chewy, golden oat crust layered with a thick, buttery caramel filling, then crowned with a tender crumb topping. These bars are not only drool-worthy, but also surprisingly easy to whip up, requiring simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping treat for a potluck, a cozy afternoon baking project, or just an excuse to indulge, Caramel Crush Bars promise gooey, sweet perfection in every bite.

Caramel Crush Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step in bringing Caramel Crush Bars to life. Each simple addition plays a key role, giving these bars their signature texture—from the hearty oat crust to the luxuriously smooth caramel. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus some little ideas to make your bake even better:

Quick oats: These oats lend a chewy, hearty texture to the crust, making the bars irresistibly rustic.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure for both the crust and caramel filling—you can use regular or unbleached flour.
Brown sugar: Adds that signature molasses sweetness and deep caramel flavor throughout.
Butter: The secret to rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a deliciously golden crust.
Milk: Makes the caramel luscious and creamy—any dairy milk works, or try a rich, non-dairy alternative.
Vanilla extract: This classic flavor boost enhances both the filling and the aroma of your kitchen!

How to Make Caramel Crush Bars

Step 1: Prep and Melt

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF and greasing a 9×13 baking pan. For super-easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, melt the butter for the crust completely—it should be liquid and glossy, which helps everything come together perfectly.

Step 2: Make the Oat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine your melted butter with the quick oats, flour, and brown sugar. Stir everything together until the mixture is crumbly but evenly moistened. This recipe’s crust does double duty, becoming both the base and the topping for your Caramel Crush Bars.

Step 3: Create the Crust

Take two-thirds of your oat mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Get right into the corners for an even layer. Bake this at 325ºF for 10 minutes, just until it starts to set but isn’t fully cooked through. Let it cool while you move on to making the caramel filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Caramel Filling

While your crust bakes, melt the butter for the filling in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cook, stirring continuously, until smooth and slightly thickened—just about a minute. Next, add the milk, then vanilla, and finally, sprinkle in the flour. Add each ingredient one at a time, letting each blend in before moving to the next. Bring the caramel to a gentle boil and cook for about 3 minutes while you keep stirring; it’ll become luscious and thick, ready to pour.

Step 5: Layer and Top

Once the crust is cool enough to touch, pour that dreamy caramel filling over it, using a spatula to make sure you get all the gorgeous ribbons into every nook. Then, take your reserved oat mixture and crumble it evenly over the caramel for a fabulously crunchy top layer.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pop the pan back in the oven, this time at a slightly lower temperature—300ºF—for about 20 minutes. The filling may look a little runny when it first comes out, but don’t worry: as the Caramel Crush Bars cool, they’ll set into the perfect chewy, gooey consistency.

How to Serve Caramel Crush Bars

Garnishes

Elevate Caramel Crush Bars with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or go all out with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. A few flakes of sea salt on top create an irresistible sweet-salty edge, while a pinch of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve these decadent bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience, or pair them with a fresh fruit salad to cut through the sweetness. For something cozy, a hot mug of coffee or chai makes a warming sidekick to your Caramel Crush Bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the Caramel Crush Bars into mini squares and stack them on a rustic serving board. Wrap individual bars in parchment and tie with twine for a cute gift. Or, crumble leftover bars over vanilla yogurt for a quick caramel parfait—absolutely heavenly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Caramel Crush Bars fresh and chewy by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you stack them, slip a piece of parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They stay deliciously tender even a day or two after baking.

Freezing

Caramel Crush Bars freeze beautifully! Let them cool completely, then wrap individually or layer between parchment in an airtight freezer container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature before serving for a treat that tastes freshly baked.

Reheating

If you love your Caramel Crush Bars slightly warm and gooey, pop a single bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For larger batches, reheat in a low oven (around 250ºF) for about 5 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the caramel can melt out.

FAQs

Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?

Absolutely, but the texture will change a bit. Quick oats create a softer, more cohesive base, while old-fashioned oats lend a chewier, heartier bite. Either works, so use what you have on hand!

What’s the best way to cut Caramel Crush Bars neatly?

Let the bars cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. For the cleanest slices, chill the bars briefly in the fridge before slicing—and don’t rush it, tempting as it is!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Just bake in a larger pan (or use two pans) and keep an eye on baking times. The bars should still be slightly soft in the center when you remove them—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Are Caramel Crush Bars gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free blend. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing gluten-free treat.

How do I know when the caramel filling is thick enough?

As you cook the filling, watch for it to bubble and thicken slightly—it should coat the back of a spoon. Don’t worry if it still looks a bit runny when you pour it over the crust; it will set up perfectly as the bars cool.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a buttery, chewy treat that absolutely wows, Caramel Crush Bars deserve a spot in your baking rotation. Give them a try and watch how fast they disappear—something this good is impossible to keep secret for long!

Caramel Crush Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Caramel Crush Bars are a delightful sweet treat that combines a buttery oat and flour crust with a gooey caramel filling. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 1/2 cups quick oats
2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/4 cups butter

Filling:

1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp flour

Instructions

Melt butter completely.

Mix butter with oatmeal, flour, and brown sugar.

Press 2/3 of this mixture into a greased (I also like using parchment paper) 9×13 pan and bake at 325ºF for 10 minutes. When done, allow it to cool.
Set remaining 1/3 of crust aside for topping.
While crust is baking, melt butter for filling in a saucepan.

Stir in brown sugar until smooth. (about 1 minute)

Repeat for milk, vanilla, and flour, adding each one separately.
Bring to a slow boil for about 3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Be sure to stir continuously.
Remove from heat.
When crust is cool to the touch, pour caramel filling on it.
Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over top.
Bake at 300ºF for an additional 20 minutes.
Bars will appear a bit runny but will firm up when cool.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American