Description
Caramel Crush Bars are a decadent dessert bar combining a buttery, brown sugar-infused crust with rich caramel sauce and melty chocolate chips. This easy-to-make treat features a layered texture with a soft center and golden edges, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at parties.
Ingredients
Scale
Base & Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract: Beat in vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate its aromatic flavor into the mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt evenly.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Form the base layer: Spread half of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan as the base crust.
- Add caramel and chocolate: Pour the caramel sauce over the base layer evenly, then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top to create a luscious middle layer.
- Add the top crumble: Crumble the remaining dough over the caramel and chocolate layer, creating a textured topping.
- Bake the bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges turn golden brown and firm yet the center remains soft.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
- For a gooier center, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Customize by using dark chocolate chips or adding nuts for extra crunch.
