It’s Sunday afternoon, the house smells faintly of cinnamon, and warm, gooey.caramel barsWhat’s my childhood in a nutshell. This isn’t just a recipe, it’s a hug from my mom, a taste of home, and honestly, pure bliss in every bite. If you love a good Pecan Pie but crave something even richer and easier to whip up, then trust me, these caramel bars are about to become your new obsession. My kids call them “magic bars” because they disappear so quickly! It’s a recipe that I have been making for years and tweaked to absolute perfection and now I am so excited to share it with you.
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What is caramel bar?
What are these dreamy caramel bars? Then comes the star: a caramel layer that is so creamy and rich! The magic is in the combination of simple ingredients transforming into something truly special. Caramel bars are essentially a symphony of textures and flavors, a delightful treat that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and comforting. I love caramel. It’s a favorite around my house!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best dessert recipes out there?caramel bars recipeWhat I love most about it is the perfect balance of flavor and ease. The buttery crust is so simple to make. The star is the caramel layer and it is just amazing! What are some of the best pantry staples you have? What are some of the best ways to serve it as a breakfast, mid-day snack or dessert?
What’s more, you can easily customize them. I always add a sprinkle of Sea Salt on top to enhance the sweetness and provide a little extra texture. If I’m feeling adventurous, I’ll add a layer of chocolate chips for a decadent twist. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. What are some of the best caramel bars?
How do you make caramel bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make caramel bars? The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are well worth the effort. What is the secret to making caramel bars? I have made this so many times so follow this recipe and you will have perfect caramel bars every single time!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
I always use unsalted butter in my baking recipes. For the flour, if you want a bit more of a nutty taste, try using half all purpose and half whole wheat flour for a really unique flavor.
For the Caramel Filling:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 2 cups packed Brown Sugar
* ½ cup heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 12 teaspoon sea salt (optional) I’ve found that using dark brown sugar really gives the caramel a deeper, richer flavor.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I forgot to line the pan before and, trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and mix until a dough forms. What is the best way to make a crumbly crust?
Step 3: Press Crust into Pan
What is the best way to make a dough in a baking pan? Make sure you press it down well so that it doesn’t crumble apart when you take it out of the pan.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
What is the best way to make the caramel filling? When the crust is done, it saves time and ensures everything is ready to go.
Step 5: Make the Caramel Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the Brown Sugar and heavy cream until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, bring it to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Do not overcook the caramel!
Step 6: Pour Caramel over Crust
What is the magic of caramel filling?
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until caramel is bubbly and golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Oven temperatures can vary, so trust your instincts.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove the caramel bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is crucial for clean cuts and prevents the caramel from running. I usually pop them in the fridge for a quicker cool-down, but room temperature works just fine too.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Once the bars are completely cool, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares and serve. I like to use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best caramel bars to serve? What goes well with caramel?
For Breakfast:Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea. The sweetness of the caramel complements the bitterness of the coffee perfectly.
For Brunch:Add a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat. Pair with a glass of sparkling wine for an elegant touch.
As Dessert:What is the best way to serve coffee ice cream?
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy with a glass of milk or a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. These caramel bars are the ultimate comfort food.
In my family, we have a tradition of serving caramel bars with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream during the holidays. It’s a simple yet delightful combination that everyone loves.
What are some tips for perfecting caramel bars?
How do I make caramel bars?
Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened, but not melted, for the crust. This ensures a tender and flaky base.
Brown Sugar:When measuring for caramel filling, pack the brown sugar tightly. This will give you the right sweetness and consistency.
Stirring Caramel: What is the best wayWhat is the best way to stir caramel while it’s cooking?
Doneness Test: The caramel should be bubbly and golden brown when the bars are done. If it’s too light, it might be undercooked. If it’s too dark, it might be burnt.
Ingredient Swaps:If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half and half. For a nuttier flavor, add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the caramel filling. I’ve also used gluten-free flour for the crust, and it works great!
Adding Chocolate:I just throw in a layer before I throw the caramel on top. It’s a great add-in.
I once tried to make caramel bars with melted butter for the crust. The result was a greasy, hard mess. Never again! I’ve found that using a candy thermometer to check the caramel temperature can help ensure perfect results every time.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftover caramel bars (which is rare in my house), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re well-covered to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: What is theWhat is the best way to store a bar in the refrigerator for up to a week?
How do I use a freezerWrap caramel bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What is Glaze Timing Advice?If you plan to freeze the bars, it’s best to add any glaze or toppings after thawing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy. I have done this before with glaze on and the texture was just not appealing.
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is my grandma’s secret caramel bars recipe? They’re a taste of nostalgia, a symbol of family, and a guaranteed way to brighten any day. The ease of making them combined with the incredible flavor makes them a winner every time. What are some of my favorite dessert recipes? If you want to change something, let me know!
Chocolate Hazelnut Delight Bars: A Treat You Can't Resist!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour can use gluten-free flour blend if preferred
- 1.5 cups rolled oats ensure certified gluten-free if needed
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup chocolate hazelnut spread Nutella or similar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press half of the oat mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.
- Spread the chocolate hazelnut spread evenly over the baked base. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and hazelnuts.
- Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the topping is lightly browned and set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Use refrigeration if needed to speed up cooling.
