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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