Name: Salted Caramel Crumble Bars: A Deliciously Indulgent Treat You Can't Resist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484984H4M38S
Total time: 51 min
Ingredients: buttery oat crust; rich caramel layer; crunchy crumble topping; dark brown sugar (optional); light brown sugar; nuts (optional); chocolate chips (optional)

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Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and salty flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. As I first took a bite of these luscious bars, I was transported to a cozy café where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air. The history of salted caramel dates back to the French, where it has become a beloved staple in desserts, and its easy to see why! The rich, buttery caramel paired with a crumbly topping creates a texture that is both satisfying and indulgent.

People adore Salted Caramel Crumble Bars not just for their taste, but also for their convenience. They are simple to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat after dinner. Whether youre sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for sprinkling)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as pecans or walnuts)

Preparing the Crust and Crumble Topping

Lets start by preparing the crust and crumble topping, which is the base of our delicious salted caramel crumble bars. This part is super easy and comes together quickly!

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
Next, pour in the melted butter. Using a fork or your hands, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to make sure that the butter is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Once you have the crumbly texture, set aside about 1 cup of this mixture. This will be used later as the topping for our bars.
Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan. Make sure to spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a solid base for our bars.

Baking the Crust

Now that we have our crust ready, its time to bake it to perfection!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as a properly preheated oven ensures even baking.
Once the oven is preheated, place the baking pan with the crust in the oven. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking!
After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the caramel layer.

Preparing the Caramel Layer

The caramel layer is what makes these bars truly special. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or you can make your own if youre feeling adventurous!

If youre making homemade caramel, start by combining 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture boil. Watch it closely as it turns a golden amber color. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
When the caramel reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat and carefully stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Be cautious, as the mixture will bubble up!
Once the cream is fully incorporated, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and stir until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring it over the crust.
If youre using store-bought caramel, simply warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to pour.

Assembling the Bars

Now comes the fun partassembling our salted caramel crumble bars!

Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed.
Next, take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer. This will create a delicious crumble topping that adds texture to the bars.
If youre using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top of the crumble mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Finally, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top. This will enhance the flavor of the caramel and give it that delightful salted caramel taste.

Baking the Bars

Its almost time to enjoy these delicious bars! Lets bake them one last time.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors. The rich, gooey salted caramel paired with the buttery crumble creates a dessert that is not only indulgent but also incredibly satisfying. Whether youre looking for a treat to impress guests at a gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy night in with a delicious snack, these bars are sure to hit the spot. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the experience even further. You can also experiment with variations by adding nuts for an extra crunch or incorporating different types of chocolate for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Id love to hear how your Salted Caramel Crumble Bars turn out and any creative variations you come up with. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a treat that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire! Happy baking!