Caramel Streusel Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Recipe Category: Bar Cookie
Servings: 24 bars
Description:
These Caramel Streusel Bars are a delightful treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The combination of buttery crumbs, a rich caramel filling, and a hint of nuts creates an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want something sweet for yourself, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to put together, so you won’t waste time searching for ingredients or instructions. If you love caramel, these bars will become a favorite in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups |
| Light brown sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Butter (divided) | 3/4 cup |
| Margarine | 3/4 cup |
| Chopped nuts | 24 nuts (optional, can use walnuts, pecans, or almonds) |
| Caramel candies | 1 package (approximately 14 oz) |
| Sweetened condensed milk | 1 can (14 oz) |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 238.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.8 mg |
| Sodium | 122.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 33.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugar | 23.1 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray (Pam baking spray works great) or butter.
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Prepare the crust mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, and the egg. Stir well until the mixture forms a smooth dough.
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Incorporate butter: Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut in 1/2 cup of butter (softened). This will create the crumbly texture that forms the base and streusel topping.
-
Add the nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts (optional but highly recommended for a nutty crunch). You can use your favorite variety, such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
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Reserve the crumb mixture: Set aside 2 cups of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan, making sure it’s tightly compacted.
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Bake the crust: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and set aside.
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Make the caramel filling: In a heavy saucepan, melt the caramel candies, sweetened condensed milk, and the remaining 1/4 cup of butter over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and completely melted.
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Assemble the bars: Pour the melted caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
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Add the streusel topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the caramel layer, spreading it out evenly.
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Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the bars are bubbly and the streusel topping is golden.
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Cool and slice: Once the bars are done, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut into 24 bars.
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Store: Keep the Caramel Streusel Bars loosely covered at room temperature. They can be stored for several days and make a perfect treat for any occasion!
Tips for Success:
- Butter vs. Margarine: This recipe calls for both butter and margarine, which gives the bars the perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can substitute the margarine with more butter, but keep in mind that margarine helps create a softer texture.
- Customizing the Nuts: If you or your guests are allergic to certain nuts, feel free to skip them or substitute them with seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds) for a nut-free version.
- Caramel Options: If you prefer to make your own caramel sauce instead of using pre-wrapped caramels, you can easily do so by simmering sugar, butter, and heavy cream until it thickens.
This Caramel Streusel Bar recipe is perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or just a sweet snack at home. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture will make it a favorite among all who try it.
