Caramel Crush Bars

Crust:
1-1/2 cups quick cook oats
2-1/4 cups flour
1-1/2 cups brown sugar
1-1/4 cups butter

Filling:
1/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
1 TBS flour

1.  Melt butter (1-1/4 cup) for crust completely.

2.  Mix butter with oatmeal, flour, and brown sugar. (I use my hands). Press 2/3 of this mixture into a greased (I also like using parchment paper lined) 9x13 pan and bake at 325℉ for 10 minutes.

3.  Set remaining 1/3 of crust mixture aside to use for the topping. 

4.  While crust is baking make filling.  Melt butter (1/4 cup) for filling in a saucepan.  Stir in brown sugar until smooth. (about 1 minute). 

5.  Stir in milk and vanilla completely. (about 1 minute)

6.  Finally, stir in flour until mixture is uniform. Bring to a slow boil for about 3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Be sure to stir continuously. Remove from heat.

7.  When crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.  When it is cool to the touch, pour caramel filling on it.

8.  Sprinkle remaining crust mixture over top.

9.  Bake at 300℉ for an additional 20 minutes. Bars will appear a bit runny but will firm up when cool.

from Bururis