Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
    • Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to compensate.
  2. 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.
  3. What can I use instead of caramel baking chips?
    • You can use caramel sauce as a substitute, but it may be a bit runnier.
  4. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    • Yes, these bars can be made a few days in advance and stored properly.
  5. How can I ensure the bars cut neatly?
    • Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
  6. Can I freeze these bars?
    • Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
  7. Can I use different types of nuts?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite nuts or nut blends.
  8. What if I don’t have parchment paper?
    • You can lightly grease the baking dish if you don’t have parchment paper.
  9. How can I make these bars less sweet?
    • Reduce the amount of caramel chips or use a lower sugar content in the crust.
  10. 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!

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Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars


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  • Author: khaoula belabess
  • 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

Scale
  • 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

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