Caramel Crumb Bars
Rich and buttery caramel crumb bars featuring a soft, crumbly shortbread base and a gooey caramel filling, perfect for dessert or gifting.
- Author: Mariem
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce or caramel bits
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for topping)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and heated through.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to the crumb topping.
- Refrigerate for cleaner slices.
- Add a light sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a salted caramel version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: caramel crumb bars, caramel bars, dessert bars, crumb topping, caramel squares