Melted butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, baking caramels, heavy cream, and chocolate chips create a delectable treat in this Caramel Crunch Squares recipe.
Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was always filled with the most delightful aromas. Among the many treats she baked, there was one that stood out – her famous Caramel Crunch Squares. Every family gathering, holiday, or even just a lazy Sunday afternoon, you could count on a batch of these delicious bars. The combination of gooey caramel and rich chocolate sandwiched between layers of buttery oat crust was irresistible. It was our family’s secret indulgence. I remember sneaking into the kitchen with my cousins to grab an extra square or two when we thought no one was looking. Recreating this recipe brings back those cherished memories, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too.
What makes this Caramel Crunch Squares special ?
The “Caramel Crunch Squares” are a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds: chewy caramel and rich chocolate, all nestled within a buttery oat crust. These squares are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for dessert, an afternoon snack, or even as a sweet breakfast option, they cater to various occasions. The layers of flavors and textures create a unique experience with every bite, ensuring that these squares will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, they are relatively easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
What do you need to make this Caramel Crunch Squares special:
Making these Caramel Crunch Squares requires some basic ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here are some important notes about the ingredients:
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. It should be melted to mix well with the dry ingredients.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, providing structure to the bars.
- Old-fashioned oats: These add a hearty texture and a nutty flavor to the crust.
- Brown sugar: Provides sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor that complements the caramel.
- Baking soda: Helps the crust rise slightly and adds a lightness to the oat mixture.
- Baking caramels: These melt into a gooey layer that binds the squares together.
- Heavy cream: Ensures the caramel layer is smooth and rich.
- Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips balance the sweetness of the caramel with a touch of bitterness.
Steps to make this Caramel Crunch Squares
Creating these Caramel Crunch Squares is straightforward, but following each step carefully will ensure perfect results. Here’s how to do it:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8 baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the squares once they are baked and cooled.
- Caramel Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the baking caramels and heavy cream. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly until the caramels have melted and the mixture is smooth. This process ensures a creamy, gooey caramel that will form the middle layer of your squares. Once done, set the caramel mixture aside to cool slightly.
- Oat Crust and Topping: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, oats, and baking soda. Mix until all the ingredients are fully incorporated. The mixture should be crumbly yet able to hold together when pressed. Take half of this mixture and press it into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. This will be the base of your squares.
- Initial Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes. This step partially bakes the crust, giving it a firm foundation for the subsequent layers. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the top of the hot crust.
- Layering Caramel and Oat Mixture: Pour the prepared caramel mixture over the layer of chocolate chips, spreading it out to ensure even coverage. Take the remaining oat mixture and crumble it over the top of the caramel layer, ensuring that the caramel is mostly covered.
- Final Baking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling. This final bake melds all the layers together into a cohesive, delicious bar.
- Cooling and Serving: Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish. This can take up to an hour. Cooling is essential as it helps the bars set, making them easier to cut. Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and enjoy!
Caramel Crunch Squares
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 11 ounces baking caramels
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Caramel Mixture:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the baking caramels and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Oat Crust and Topping:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, old-fashioned oats, and baking soda. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press half of this mixture into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
- Initial Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and evenly sprinkle the chocolate chips over the hot crust.
- Layering Caramel and Oat Mixture:
- Pour the caramel mixture over the chocolate chips, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the caramel layer, ensuring it is mostly covered.
- Final Baking:
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the caramel is bubbling.
- Cooling and Serving:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish, which can take up to an hour. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.