I love discovering recipes that bring together simple ingredients to create something truly irresistible. Rich, Delicious Caramel Crush Bars are one of those treats that always brighten my day. The moment I first baked them, I was hooked by their perfect combination of a crunchy base, a gooey caramel center, and a sprinkle of crushed toppings. These bars are a true crowd-pleaser and have become a staple in my baking repertoire.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, a bake sale, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, these bars fit any occasion perfectly. You can easily customize the toppings or adjust the sweetness to your liking without losing that signature caramel crunch. Plus, they are budget-friendly since the ingredients are mostly pantry staples that don’t break the bank.
This recipe uses affordable ingredients that are easy to find and simple to work with. You’ll need all-purpose flour, butter, brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk, caramel bits, and crushed cookies or cereal for that delightful crunch on top. Each component works in harmony to create a rich, layered flavor profile. The butter adds moisture and richness, while the caramel and brown sugar bring a luscious sweetness that is balanced by the slightly crunchy crust.
With just a few steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up these delicious bars that taste like a bakery favorite. Their rich caramel flavor and satisfying texture will quickly make them a new favorite in your baking collection. You will love how simple and rewarding baking these bars is, and how they make any moment a little sweeter.
Rich, Delicious Caramel Crush Bars
Preparing these Caramel Crush Bars is straightforward and fun, even if you’re not an experienced baker. The process is broken down into simple steps, ensuring a quick and easy bake that still delivers impressive results. You’ll start with creating a buttery crust that forms the base, then layer on a rich caramel filling, and finish with a crunchy topping that adds texture and extra flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of brown sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon to blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing until everything is fully combined and forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Step 2: Add the caramel layer
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, melt 14 ounces of caramel bits with 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and pour this luscious caramel evenly over the baked crust once it’s out of the oven.
Step 3: Create the crunchy topping
Immediately after pouring the caramel, sprinkle crushed cookies or cereal evenly on top. You can customize this with crushed graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even a crunchy oat cereal. The topping adds a satisfying texture contrast to the gooey caramel.
Step 4: Final baking and cooling
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. The caramel should bubble slightly and the topping will toast lightly. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate for 2 hours to let the bars set firmly before cutting.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the topping for your favorite nuts, seeds, or even a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness. It is quick to prepare and uses everyday ingredients, which makes it perfect for last-minute dessert needs or weekend baking projects. Its popularity comes from the rich flavor, appealing texture, and ease of preparation that appeals to a wide range of tastes.
These bars are perfect for sharing with friends, packing into lunchboxes, or enjoying as a comforting homemade treat. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for its delightful caramel crush experience.
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Rich, Delicious Caramel Crush Bars
Rich, Delicious Caramel Crush Bars combine a buttery crust, gooey caramel filling, and a crunchy topping for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for any occasion.
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 14 oz caramel bits
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup crushed cookies or cereal for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until crumbly dough forms.
- Press dough evenly into a greased 9×13-inch pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes or until edges turn golden.
- While crust bakes, melt caramel bits and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Pour caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle crushed cookies or cereal over the caramel layer.
- Bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until caramel bubbles and topping toasts lightly.
- Remove from oven; let cool completely at room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
Use crushed graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or oat cereal as topping.
Adjust topping to your preference for texture and flavor.
Ensure even spreading of caramel for consistent flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 27
FAQs
Can I use a different type of caramel for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute caramel bits with soft caramel candies. Just chop them into small pieces and melt slowly with the sweetened condensed milk to achieve a smooth mixture.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can make a quick substitute by simmering whole milk with sugar until thickened, but for the best texture and flavor, sweetened condensed milk is recommended.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust and ensure any toppings you choose are gluten-free.
How should I store these bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Caramel Crush Bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You would need to substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use vegan caramel alternatives, though this might alter the texture slightly.