Salted Caramel Crumble Bars: A Deliciously Indulgent Treat You Can’t Resist

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 ingredient in various confections. People adore these bars not only for their rich, buttery taste but also for their satisfying texture, with a crumbly topping that adds a delightful crunch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings.

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 sprinkling)

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. It’s super easy and requires just a few steps.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that our bars bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Reserve about 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. This will give us that delightful crumble on top of our bars.
5. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out and compacted. This will form the base of our bars.

Baking the Base

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

1. Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. This step is crucial as it sets the base for our bars.
2. Once baked, 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 you’re feeling adventurous!

1. If you’re making homemade caramel, start by combining 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it!
2. Once the sugar is melted, carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (it will bubble up, so be cautious). Stir until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of unsalted butter and a pinch of salt. Let it cool slightly before using.
4. If you’re using store-bought caramel, simply warm it slightly in the microwave to make it easier to pour.

Assembling the Bars

Now comes the fun part—assembling our salted caramel crumble bars!

1. Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the caramel sauce evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out if needed.
2. Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the caramel layer. This will create a beautiful topping that adds texture and flavor.
3. Sprinkle the sea salt over the top of the crumble. This is what gives our bars that delightful salted caramel flavor that we all love!

Baking the Bars

It’s time to bake our assembled bars to bring everything together.

1. Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
2. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important as it allows the bars to set properly.

Cutting and Serving

After the bars have cooled, it’s time to cut them into squares and enjoy!

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 for an extra crunch or swapping out the caramel for chocolate ganache if you’re in the mood for something different. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a go! Once you take that first bite, I’m sure you’ll understand why these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars have become a favorite in my kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative twists you come up with—I’d love to hear how they turn out for you! Happy baking!

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