Salted Caramel Crumble Bars: The Ultimate Dessert Recipe You Need to Try

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 was first crafted to enhance desserts with a touch of sophistication. Today, these bars have become a beloved favorite among dessert enthusiasts, thanks to their rich, buttery crumble and gooey caramel center.

What I adore about Salted Caramel Crumble Bars is their incredible texture; the crunchy topping contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety caramel. They are not only delicious but also incredibly convenient to make, allowing you to whip up a batch for gatherings or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a post-dinner treat, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Join me as we dive into this scrumptious 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 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for topping)

Preparing the Crust and Crumble Topping

Let’s start by making the crust and crumble topping, which is the base of our delicious salted caramel crumble bars. This part is super easy and only takes a few minutes!

1. 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.
2. Next, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Using a fork or your hands, mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together when pressed.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
4. Take about two-thirds of the crumble mixture and press it firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will be our crust. Make sure it’s even and compact.

Baking the Crust

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

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
2. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This will help it set a bit before we add the caramel layer.

Preparing the Caramel Layer

While the crust is cooling, let’s prepare the caramel layer. If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, you can skip this step. If you want to make your own, here’s a simple recipe!

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Allow it to boil without stirring until it turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Once the caramel reaches the desired color, remove it from the heat and carefully whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious!
4. After the bubbling subsides, stir in 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and a pinch of salt until smooth. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.

Assembling the Bars

Now that we have our crust and caramel ready, it’s time to assemble our salted caramel crumble bars!

1. Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it out with a spatula to ensure it covers the entire surface.
2. Take the remaining crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer. Don’t worry if some caramel is still visible; it will bake beautifully!
3. Sprinkle the sea salt over the top of the crumble layer. This will enhance the flavor and give that delicious salted caramel touch.

Baking the Bars

It’s almost time to enjoy these scrumptious bars! Let’s bake them to perfection.

1. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
2. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial, as it allows the bars to

Conclusion:

In summary, 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 heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering with friends and family. 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, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless, and I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own! I encourage you to give these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars a try and share your experience with me. Whether you’re baking them for yourself or sharing them with loved ones, I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your household. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me when you do! Happy baking!

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