Description
Easy to make caramel crumb bars with a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet caramel filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Press 2/3 of the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and 1/4 cup butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and turns a caramel color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the crust. If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel.
- Crumble the remaining 1/3 of the dough over the caramel layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the caramel is bubbly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- For a richer caramel, you can use dark brown sugar.
- Ensure the caramel is cooked to the right consistency to prevent it from being too runny.
- Allow the bars to cool completely for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Caramel Crumb Bars, easy dessert, shortbread crust, caramel filling, nutty bars, sweet treat