Caramel Crumb Bars

Introduction

Indulge in the sweet and comforting goodness of Caramel Crumb Bars, a delightful treat that combines buttery crumbs with a gooey caramel filling. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are great for sharing with family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Caramel Crumb Bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with a soft and crumbly base, a rich and sticky caramel filling, and a crisp crumb topping. This recipe is simple to make and is sure to impress anyone who enjoys a sweet and satisfying dessert.

How to Make Caramel Crumb Bars

Ingredients :

• 2 sticks (16 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (divided)
• 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Beat butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla until fluffy, then mix in 2 1/4 cups of flour to form dough.
3. Press 3/4 of the dough into the pan and refrigerate, reserving the rest for crumb topping.
4. Combine remaining flour with remaining dough to form crumbs, set aside.
5. Make the caramel filling by simmering butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and condensed milk until thickened.
6. Pour the filling over the crust, add crumb topping, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Cool completely, then cut into squares and serve.

How to Serve Caramel Crumb Bars

Serve these bars at room temperature as a decadent dessert or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. They are perfect for a sweet snack or as a dessert at gatherings.

How to Store Caramel Crumb Bars

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Caramel Crumb Bars

• Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean squares.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure they hold their shape.

Variation

For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or almonds to the crumb topping for extra crunch and flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? It is recommended to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the bars.
2. Can I use a different type of sugar for the caramel filling? You can experiment with different types of sugars for variations in flavor, but keep in mind that the texture may differ.
3. Can I freeze the bars with the caramel filling? Yes, these bars freeze well, making them a great make-ahead dessert option for special occasions.