Indulgent Salted Caramel Crumble Bars

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Things have been a little slow on here lately—sorry, dear friends and readers! Big things are brewing behind the scenes, and I promise to spill the beans soon about what’s next for this little blog of mine. To make it up to you, I’m sharing a recipe today that absolutely BLEW OUR SOCKS OFF and redefined our love for gooey crumble bars. These Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are pure indulgence—a buttery, crumbly base layered with gooey, salty-sweet caramel that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds). Let’s dive right in!

Why Salted Caramel Crumble Bars?

When it comes to feeding a crowd, nothing beats the convenience of a steaming pan of gooey bars. Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are the ultimate versatile dessert—you can slice them into perfect portions based on your guest list, and they’re guaranteed to dazzle everyone, especially when paired with a giant scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce. These bars caught us completely off-guard with their ridiculous deliciousness. From the first bite, they shot straight to the top of my dessert list. If I’m asked to bring something sweet to an event, these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are now my go-to. I mean, salted FREAKING caramel—need I say more?

What makes these bars irresistible? It’s the symphony of textures and flavors: a tender, buttery crumble that melts in your mouth, a luscious layer of salted caramel that’s both sweet and savory, and a golden, crunchy topping that ties it all together. They’re simple enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for a holiday spread. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, a family gathering, or just craving something decadent, these bars deliver every time.

The Star Ingredient: Salted Caramel

While the crumble base is the simplest, tastiest foundation you’ll ever whip up, the real star of these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars is the gooey salted caramel. If you haven’t yet jumped on the salted caramel bandwagon, it’s high time we took that leap together! This magical sauce has revolutionized our dessert game. That first taste starts innocently enough—“Oh, sure, caramel. Nice. Alright. Whatever.”—but then BAM! HOLY SMOKES! The salted caramel hits you with a flavor explosion that makes you wonder why you waited so long to try it.

Making salted caramel sauce is surprisingly easy—I nailed it on my first try, and I’m no candy-making expert! Once it cooled, I couldn’t resist drizzling it over everything in sight: apple slices, a spoon, even a stray cracker or two. It’s that good. The sauce transforms these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars into something extraordinary, balancing the richness of the buttery crumble with a hint of salt that keeps you coming back for more. If you love this flavor profile, check out our Salted Caramel Brownies for another irresistible treat.

A Note for the Cautious Baker

I’ll admit, I usually steer clear of recipes involving bubbling sugar at scorching temperatures—visions of kitchen disasters and sticky messes haunt me. But this salted caramel? It’s not intimidating at all. The process is straightforward, and with a little attention, you’ll have a smooth, velvety sauce that’s worth every second. If I can do it, so can you! The reward is a batch of Salted Caramel Crumble Bars that’ll make you the hero of any gathering. So, let’s conquer those fears and get to the good stuff.

Recipe: Salted Caramel Crumble Bars

Ingredients:

Salted Caramel Crumble Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

Indulge in gooey Salted Caramel Crumble Bars with a buttery base and salty-sweet topping—perfect for any occasion!

Author: Sofya Petrova
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened to room temperature
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
Heaping ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade—recipe below)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8”x8” baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving overhang for easy removal, and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a hand mixer), cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes on medium speed.
Add Vanilla: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add the vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed until fully incorporated, about 1 minute.
Incorporate Flour: Scrape the bowl again, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. The dough should form large, soft crumbles that hold together when pressed. If it feels sticky, sprinkle in a teaspoon of flour; if too dry, stop adding flour early. Aim for a texture that’s neither powdery nor wet.
Form the Base: Press one-third of the crumble mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile, refrigerate the remaining dough to keep it firm.
Add the Caramel: Remove the crust from the oven and pour the heaping ½ cup of salted caramel sauce over it, spreading evenly with a spatula. Don’t worry if it looks thin—it’ll set as it bakes.
Top with Crumbles: Evenly distribute the chilled crumble mixture over the caramel layer. It might look like a lot, but trust the process—it settles during baking.
Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and you see caramel bubbling through the crumbles.
Cool and Serve: Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. For cleaner cuts, chill in the fridge for 30 minutes first. Serve these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars at room temperature or slightly chilled for maximum enjoyment!

Notes

Butter Consistency: Ensure butter is softened but not melted—too soft, and the crumble won’t hold its shape. Test by pressing; it should dent but not squish.
Caramel Temperature: If homemade caramel is too warm, it may soak into the base. Let it cool to a thick, pourable consistency before spreading.
Dough Texture: The crumble should clump when squeezed but break apart easily. If it’s too wet, add a teaspoon of flour; if too dry, stop mixing sooner.
Pan Lining: Foil is optional but makes lifting bars out a breeze—parchment works too, just grease lightly.
Cutting Tip: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares, especially after chilling.
Oven Variation: Ovens differ—check at 20 minutes for the top layer; it’s done when golden, not brown.
Serving Size: Cut into 9 for hearty bars or 16 for bite-sized treats—adjust based on your crowd.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 9 large bars or 16 small squares
Calories: 300 kcal per large bar

Keywords: Salted Caramel Crumble Bars

Bonus Recipe: Homemade Salted Caramel Sauce

Yield: Approximately 1 cup
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
1 teaspoon light corn syrup (optional, prevents crystallization)
½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
Method:
Prep Ahead: Gather all ingredients and tools before starting—this moves fast!
Dissolve Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Bring to a boil over high heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves completely.
Cook to Amber: Stop stirring and let the mixture boil undisturbed until it turns a deep amber color—5 to 12 minutes, depending on your stove. Watch closely to avoid burning; it’ll smell like rich caramel when ready. Reduce heat immediately.
Add Cream: Carefully pour in the heavy cream (it’ll bubble vigorously—stand back!). Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt, whisking until smooth. The sauce will thicken as it cools.
Cool and Store: Transfer to a heat-safe container and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month; reheat gently to use.
The History of Crumble Bars and Carame
Crumble bars trace their roots to European baking traditions, particularly British fruit crumbles, where a simple mix of flour, sugar, and butter was scattered over fruit and baked to golden perfection. These rustic desserts crossed the Atlantic, evolving in America with recipes like apple crumb bars appearing in mid-20th-century cookbooks. Caramel, a confection born in the 17th century as sugar became more widely available, added a luxurious twist. The salted caramel trend, popularized in the late 20th century by French confectioners pairing sea salt with caramel’s sweetness, brought a modern edge. Today, Salted Caramel Crumble Bars fuse these legacies into a dessert that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge.

For more historical dessert inspiration, try our Classic Apple Crisp—a nod to crumble’s fruity origins.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

Flavor Explosion: The salted caramel delivers a sweet-salty punch that’s downright addictive.
Texture Heaven: Crunchy crumbles meet gooey caramel atop a tender base—every bite is a delight.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or casual snacks, they vanish fast!
Make-Ahead Magic: Prep them in advance and store for whenever cravings strike.
If you’re hooked on decadent desserts, our Caramel Apple Pie or Chocolate Lava Cake might be your next obsession.

Expert Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Crumble Bars

Butter Temperature: Softened, not melted, butter ensures a tender crumble. Leave it out for 1-2 hours or microwave for 10 seconds if short on time.
Caramel Thickness: If using store-bought, warm it slightly for easier spreading. Homemade sauce should cool to a spreadable consistency—too hot, and it’ll soak into the base.
Even Layers: Press the base firmly to avoid gaps; scatter crumbles loosely for that signature texture.
Cooling Patience: Don’t rush the cooling—warm bars fall apart. Chilling before cutting gives clean, bakery-worthy slices.
Pan Prep: The foil overhang is key for lifting bars out—don’t skip it unless you love scraping pans!

Storing and Freezing Salted Caramel Crumble Bars

Store cooled Salted Caramel Crumble Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week—the chilled version gets even fudgier! For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving—they’re perfect for prepping ahead for parties or surprise cravings.
Wondering how to reheat? A quick 10-second zap in the microwave softens the caramel, but room temp is just as delicious. Pair with a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for an extra treat!

Recipe Variations to Try

Nutty Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or almonds over the caramel layer before adding the top crumble for crunch.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt 2 ounces of dark chocolate and drizzle over the cooled bars—chocolate and salted caramel are a match made in heaven.
Fruit Fusion: Swirl in a tablespoon of Raspberry Jam with the caramel for a tangy contrast.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—test with a small batch to ensure texture holds.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Can I Use Store-Bought Caramel Sauce Instead of Homemade?

Absolutely! A high-quality store-bought salted caramel works beautifully if you’re short on time. Look for a thick, rich option for best results.

How Do I Store Salted Caramel Crumble Bars?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days, in the fridge for a week, or freeze for 2 months—details above!

Can I Make These Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking—check the package to ensure it mimics all-purpose flour’s structure.

What Toppings Pair Well?

Try whipped cream, extra sea salt, chopped nuts, or a scoop of ice cream. Fresh berries add a bright pop too!

Is Chilling the Caramel Sauce Necessary?

Not mandatory, but cooling it to room temp makes it easier to spread and prevents it from sinking into the base.

Extending the Salted Caramel Love

Once you’ve mastered the sauce for these Salted Caramel Crumble Bars, you’ll find endless uses for it. Drizzle it over pancakes, stir it into coffee, or dip pretzels for a sweet-salty snack. It’s versatile enough to elevate our French Toast Casserole or even a simple bowl of oatmeal. The possibilities are endless, and every spoonful feels like a little luxury.
Perfecting the Caramel
The key to great caramel is patience—don’t stir once it’s boiling, or you risk crystallization. A wet pastry brush can swipe down sugar crystals from the pan’s sides if needed. If it’s your first time, use a candy thermometer—340°F (170°C) for that deep amber hue.
Creative Serving Ideas
Cut into bite-sized squares for a dessert tray alongside Mini Cheesecakes, or serve warm with a fork for a cozy night in. Hosting a brunch? Pair with Spiced Chai Latte for a decadent combo.

Cultural Impact and Modern Appeal

Salted caramel’s rise from French patisseries to global obsession has made it a staple in modern baking. Salted Caramel Crumble Bars tap into this trend, blending the comfort of classic crumble with a contemporary twist. They’ve become a hit at bake sales, holiday parties, and even weddings—proof that simple ingredients can create something timeless yet fresh. Their portability and shareability make them a social media darling too—snap a pic of that gooey center and watch the likes roll in!

Final Thoughts

These Salted Caramel Crumble Bars are more than a dessert—they’re a revelation. The buttery crumble, the sticky-sweet caramel with that perfect salty kick—it’s a combo that’ll haunt your dreams in the best way. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe delivers indulgence without the fuss. So grab your spatula, crank up the oven, and let’s make some magic. Have you tried them yet? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!

So there you have it—Salted Caramel Crumble Bars that are everything you didn’t know you needed: gooey, buttery, sweet, salty, and completely addictive. Whether you’re baking for a party, sharing with loved ones, or just sneaking a bite straight from the pan (no judgment here), these bars are guaranteed to hit the sweet spot. Ready for more decadent inspiration? Head over to Sofyarecipes and discover your next baking obsession.