Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars – Indulge, in the world of luxury with our Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars, a combination of cocoa, crispy nuts and velvety caramel. This treat isn’t a snack; it’s a delight. Featuring ingredients such as almonds, pecans or walnuts paired with a layer of caramel these bars are guaranteed to please your sweet cravings.
I can still vividly recall the moment I whipped up these bars for the first time. It was a brisk autumn day. I aimed to surprise my family with something sweet and slightly nutty – reminiscent of our beloved park squirrels. The outcome? Love at taste. Even my dessert-skeptical husband couldn’t resist asking for seconds while the joyful laughter of my child filled our home kitchen. It became a hit and a cherished family favorite.
What makes this Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars truly stand out?
What makes these Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars stand out? It’s all about the harmony of flavors and textures. From the chewy base to the crunch and the luxurious caramel drizzle on top – it’s like a symphony for your taste buds. Not to mention their adaptability; whether you favor almonds, pecans or walnuts you can customize these bars according to your liking. They’re perfect, for sharing guaranteed crowd-pleasers at any social gathering.
What You Need To Make This Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe?
Unsalted butter: Unsalted butter is our ingredient, for achieving a flavor and creamy texture in our bars. By opting for butter we have control over the saltiness ensuring a perfectly balanced taste.
Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar forms the soft foundation of our bars. This sugar blends seamlessly guaranteeing that every bite feels as tender as an embrace from a loved one.
Flour: Serves as the backbone of our bars providing structure and ensuring that all the delightful components stick together for that ideal chewy bite.
Cocoa powder: Infuses a deep chocolatey essence into the base evoking memories of afternoons filled with delights and happy moments.
Sweetened condensed milk: Acts as the touch, in creating our caramel layer. As it simmers it thickens to envelop everything in a velvety hug.
Vanilla: A hint of vanilla adds warmth and complexity to enhance the chocolate and caramel flavors a touch that elevates every taste experience.
Caramel Baking Chips: Caramel baking chips melt into a caramel core that forms the heart of sweetness in our bars crafting a layer you can’t help but savor.
Nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Provide your crunch! Different kinds of nuts each contribute their taste and characteristics adding a touch of customization and fun to these bars.
Whipping cream: Transforms caramel, into a silky, velvety stream of goodness enhancing both the texture and flavor profiles of our bars.
Sea salt: A sprinkle that truly elevates the experience enhancing the nutty notes and ensuring every mouthful is bursting with flavor.
Steps To Make Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars:
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Step 1: Start by putting 2 tablespoons of butter aside. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish, with parchment paper for easy cleaning.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl cream together the sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of butter until it becomes light and fluffy. This is where the magic happens. Slowly incorporate the cocoa powder and flour until everything is well mixed.
Step 3: Transfer this delicious chocolatey mixture into your baking dish. Gently press the batter evenly across the bottom. Bake for 15 minutes just until it begins to set.
Step 4: While that’s baking, melt the remaining butter with sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir with care until it thickens slightly add in the vanilla for a layer of flavor. Pour this mixture over your crust and return it to the oven for another 8 to 10 minutes until you see a lovely golden color.
Step 5: Toast your nuts until they release their aroma and turn golden brown. Let them cool down before chopping them for added texture. Melt caramel chips with cream in the microwave stirring every half minute or so for around 2 minutes until it’s all smooth.
Step 6: Fold in the nuts. A pinch of salt, into the caramel mixture.
Step 7: Spread the delicious caramel layer evenly on top making sure it reaches every corner. The challenging part? Patience is key as you wait for it to cool down before slicing into bars and indulging.
Tip:
For the results, in presenting your Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars. It’s important to be patient. Once the bars have cooled down completely at room temperature. Pop them into the refrigerator for an hour before slicing. This cooling process helps firm up the caramel and chocolate layers. Ensuring each bar is well set with neat layers. Grab a knife. Remember to wipe it clean after each cut for smooth slicing. Taking this step of chilling in the fridge truly elevates your homemade treat into a dessert that not only tastes great. Also looks professionally made.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use salted nuts?
You’re welcome to utilize salted nuts! If you like a bit of saltiness to complement the sweetness. Feel free to add them. Just remember not to overdo it with the salt.
How do I store the bars?
As for storing the bars. Keeping them in a container at room temperature should be fine for a week. If you want them to last longer. They freeze well.
Can I make a gluten-free version?
If you’re looking to make a gluten-free version go ahead! You can swap out the all-purpose flour with your gluten-free mix. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 type for the best results.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
Ingredients
- 2 sticks unsalted butter softened and divided
- 1 c powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ c flour
- ⅓ c cocoa powder
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 1 c caramel baking chips
- ½ c chopped almonds pecans, or walnuts
- 4 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Remember to set 2 tablespoons of butter for later.
- For the base beat 1 and 3/4 sticks of butter with sugar until creamy. Then blend in flour and cocoa powder until mixed. Press this mixture into the baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes.
- While the base is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, along with sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Stir until it thickens slightly then remove from heat and stir in some vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the base. Bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until it sets.
- Toast the nuts lightly in a pan until they become fragrant. Allow them to cool before chopping them.
- For the caramel layer melt caramel chips with cream in intervals in the microwave while stirring every 30 seconds for approximately 2 minutes or until smooth. Mix in the toasted nuts and a pinch of salt.
- To assemble, spread the caramel nut mixture evenly over the layer up, to the edges. Allow it to cool down entirely in the pan.
- For best outcomes refrigerate in the fridge before slicing into bars. Indulge, in your Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
