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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Press two-thirds of the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
  5. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, caramel sauce, and vanilla. Stir until smooth and heated through.
  6. Pour the caramel mixture over the crust, spreading evenly.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the caramel layer.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  9. 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

Keywords: caramel crumb bars, caramel bars, dessert bars, crumb topping, caramel squares