Caramel Almond Crumble Bars

Caramel Almond Crumble Bars
These Caramel Almond Crumble Bars are a chewy, buttery dessert layered with sweet caramel, crunchy almonds, and a golden crumble topping. They are easy to prepare, slice beautifully, and make a delicious treat for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars combine the richness of caramel with the nutty crunch of almonds and the comforting texture of a buttery crumble. They are portable, easy to serve, and versatile enough for bake sales, holiday trays, or coffee breaks. Their balance of sweet and nutty flavors makes them irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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All-purpose flour
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Rolled oats
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Brown sugar
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Unsalted butter (melted)
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Baking soda
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Salt
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Caramel sauce or soft caramel candies (melted)
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Heavy cream (for caramel, if using candies)
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Sliced or chopped almonds
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Vanilla extract
Directions
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Preheat oven and lightly grease a square baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
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Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly.
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Press half of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
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Bake for 10 minutes to set the base.
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Spread caramel sauce evenly over the crust.
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Sprinkle chopped almonds over the caramel layer.
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Top with the remaining crumble mixture, pressing lightly.
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Bake until golden brown and bubbling.
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Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
Variations
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Use pecans, walnuts, or cashews instead of almonds.
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Add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
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Mix in shredded coconut with the crumble for extra texture.
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Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
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Replace half of the flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
storage/reheating
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap bars individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. These bars are best served at room temperature, not reheated.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without nuts?
Yes, simply omit the almonds or replace them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
What’s the best caramel to use?
A thick homemade caramel or melted caramel candies with cream works best.
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, but rolled oats give a chewier texture.
Do I have to prebake the crust?
Yes, this helps prevent the base from becoming soggy.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, bake in a larger pan and extend baking time slightly.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
How do I cut neat bars?
Allow the bars to cool fully, then use a sharp knife cleaned between cuts.
Can I add chocolate chips inside?
Yes, sprinkle a layer of chocolate chips over the caramel before adding the crumble.
Do these bars travel well?
Yes, they hold their shape well and are excellent for lunch boxes or picnics.
Can I serve them warm?
Yes, but they will be softer and messier—cooling makes them easier to slice.
Conclusion
Caramel Almond Crumble Bars are a sweet, nutty, and buttery treat that is both easy to make and versatile to serve. With their crunchy top, gooey caramel center, and nutty bite, they are perfect for casual snacking, entertaining, or gifting.
PrintCaramel Almond Crumble Bars
These caramel almond crumble bars feature a buttery oat crust, gooey caramel center, and a crunchy almond topping — perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup caramel sauce or soft caramel candies melted with 2 tablespoons cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for topping)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in melted butter until crumbly and well combined.
- Press about 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix caramel sauce with vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove crust from the oven and pour caramel mixture evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds over the caramel, then top with remaining crumble mixture.
- Bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool completely in the pan, then lift out and cut into bars.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired before serving.
Notes
- For homemade caramel, melt soft caramel candies with a splash of cream over low heat.
- Bars will firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut.
- Use toasted almonds for extra flavor and crunch.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramel bars, almond crumble, oat bars, dessert squares, easy bar recipe, sweet snack