Decadent Caramel Crunch Bars
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Decadent Caramel Crunch Bars. Perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars blend the rich flavors of buttery caramel, smooth chocolate, and a satisfying crunch from oats and nuts. This recipe is easy to follow and yields an impressive 54 pieces, making it ideal for sharing. Treat your family and friends to these irresistible caramel-infused delights that are sure to be a hit!
54
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Caramels
14 ounces (unwrapped)
Milk
1/3 cup (none)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
Quick oats
2 cups (none)
Brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Butter
1 cup (softened)
Chocolate chips
1 cup (none)
Peanuts or walnuts
1 cup (optional, chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unwrapped caramels with the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, quick oats, packed brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to incorporate all dry ingredients.
4
Add the beaten egg to the dry mixture and blend until combined. Then, cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5
Take half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
6
Once the crust is baked, remove from the oven and evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts over the top.
7
Drizzle the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips and nuts, ensuring it’s distributed well.
8
Crumble the remaining batter over the top, covering the caramel layer partially, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is lightly golden brown.
9
Once baked, allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then let cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting into small bite-sized squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel Crunch Bars?
They are indulgent layered dessert bars that blend buttery caramel, smooth chocolate, and a satisfying crunch from oats and nuts.
How many pieces does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields an impressive 54 pieces, making it ideal for large gatherings or parties.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan should I use?
You will need a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the pan with butter or a non-stick spray before starting.
What is the first step in preparing the caramel layer?
Melt 14 ounces of unwrapped caramels with 1/3 cup of milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Which dry ingredients are mixed together in the large bowl?
Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of quick oats, 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How do I incorporate the butter into the dry mixture?
Cut in 1 cup of softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Should the egg be beaten before adding it?
Yes, the recipe requires one large egg to be beaten before blending it into the dry mixture.
How much of the crumbly mixture is used for the crust?
Take half of the crumbly mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
How long does the crust bake initially?
The bottom crust should be baked in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
What toppings are added after the crust is baked?
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips and optional chopped nuts over the baked crust.
Are nuts mandatory for this recipe?
No, the peanuts or walnuts are optional, but they add a nice crunch.
How should I distribute the caramel?
Drizzle the melted caramel mixture over the chocolate chips and nuts, ensuring it is well distributed.
What do I do with the remaining batter?
Crumble the remaining batter over the top, partially covering the caramel layer.
How long is the second baking period?
Bake the bars for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top is lightly golden brown.
What should I do immediately after removing the pan from the oven?
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen them.
How long should the bars cool before cutting?
Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them into squares.
What kind of oats are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of quick oats.
What type of sugar is used in the dough?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of packed brown sugar.
How many grams of caramel are needed?
The recipe uses 14 ounces of caramels.
What types of nuts are suggested for the optional topping?
The recipe suggests using chopped peanuts or walnuts.
Is all-purpose flour the correct flour to use?
Yes, use 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Can these bars be served at a bake sale?
Yes, they are described as ideal for bake sales and homemade candy treats.
What is the preparation for the caramels?
The caramels should be unwrapped before melting them with milk.
How much chocolate chips should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chocolate chips.
How much baking soda is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a rich flavor of buttery caramel and smooth chocolate with a crunchy oat texture.
What is the recommended serving size?
Because it makes 54 pieces, it is recommended to cut them into small, bite-sized squares.