Introduction:
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a decadent treat featuring a buttery chocolate crust, a luscious caramel layer, and a crunchy nut topping. These bars offer a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel baking chips
- ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Set aside 2 tablespoons of the softened butter for later use in the caramel layer.
- Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of softened butter until fluffy and light.
- Gradually mix in ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 1 ¼ cups flour until well combined. The mixture will form a thick dough.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared baking dish and press it evenly into the bottom.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and starting to firm up.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is golden brown and bubbly.
- Prepare the Nut Topping:
- Toast ½ cup of chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping roughly.
- Melt 1 cup caramel baking chips with 4 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth and creamy.
- Fold the toasted nuts and 1 teaspoon salt into the caramel sauce.
- Pour and spread the nutty caramel mixture evenly over the baked crust and caramel layer.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
- Cut into squares and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 24 squares
Variations
- Nuts: Substitute with your favorite nuts like cashews or macadamia nuts.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips or toffee bits into the caramel layer for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Reheating: If desired, warm individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften slightly before serving.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate.
- Can I use a different type of chocolate for the crust?
- Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate cocoa powder for a different flavor.
- What can I use instead of caramel baking chips?
- You can use caramel sauce as a substitute, but it may be a bit runnier.
- Can I make these bars ahead of time?
- Yes, these bars can be made a few days in advance and stored properly.
- How can I ensure the bars cut neatly?
- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Can I use different types of nuts?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts or nut blends.
- What if I don’t have parchment paper?
- You can lightly grease the baking dish if you don’t have parchment paper.
- How can I make these bars less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of caramel chips or use a lower sugar content in the crust.
- Can I add fruit to these bars?
- Adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can give a nice twist.
Conclusion
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that combines a rich chocolate crust with a creamy caramel topping and crunchy nuts. They’re perfect for a sweet snack or a special dessert. With easy preparation and a delightful mix of flavors, these bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a homemade treat for yourself. Enjoy the chewy, nutty goodness in every bite!
PrintChewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a rich and indulgent dessert featuring a buttery chocolate crust, a smooth caramel layer, and a crunchy nut topping. These bars offer a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel baking chips
- ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of softened butter until fluffy.
- Gradually mix in ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 1 ¼ cups flour until a thick dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is set.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- Pour the caramel sauce over the baked crust and spread it evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the caramel is golden brown and bubbly.
- Prepare the Nut Topping:
- Toast ½ cup chopped nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Let cool slightly before chopping roughly.
- Melt 1 cup caramel baking chips with 4 tablespoons heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Fold the toasted nuts and 1 teaspoon salt into the caramel sauce.
- Spread the nutty caramel mixture evenly over the baked caramel layer.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
- To ensure neat cuts, let the bars cool completely before slicing.
- Adjust the amount of nuts and caramel based on personal preference for crunch and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30g