These Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delightful combination of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy nuts, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. With a buttery base and a chewy, nutty topping, these bars are ideal for a snack, dessert, or to bring to a gathering. They’re easy to make and packed with flavor!
Ingredients for Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans, or a mix)
- 1 cup caramel or butterscotch baking chips
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature (reserve 2 tablespoons for later)
Instructions for Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Base Layer
- In a large bowl, combine ⅓ cup cocoa powder, 1¼ cups flour, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Cut in 1¾ sticks of unsalted butter (reserving 2 tablespoons for later use) using a pastry cutter or your hands, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the dough into the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until set but not browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Prepare the Caramel Topping
- In a small saucepan, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the 1 cup caramel or butterscotch chips and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream. Heat the mixture gently, stirring constantly, until well combined and smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
4. Add the Nuts
- Fold the ½ cup chopped nuts into the caramel mixture. You can use walnuts, pecans, or a mix of your favorite nuts for extra crunch and flavor.
5. Assemble the Bars
- Pour the caramel-nut mixture evenly over the baked base layer. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring the caramel spreads evenly over the entire surface.
6. Bake Again
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and slightly golden around the edges.
7. Cool and Serve
- Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or bars.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Nut Choice: Use your favorite combination of nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor.
- Chilled Bars: For a firmer, more chewy texture, chill the bars in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting.
- Caramel or Butterscotch Chips: You can use either caramel baking chips or butterscotch baking chips, depending on your preference. Both add a delicious sweetness to the bars.
Variations for Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
1. Chocolate Chip Nutty Bars
- Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the caramel-nut mixture for an extra chocolatey twist.
2. Peanut Butter Bars
- Replace half of the butter with ½ cup peanut butter for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
3. Salted Caramel Nutty Bars
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the caramel before baking for a salty-sweet combination that enhances the caramel flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
2. How do I store the bars?
Store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
3. Can I use a different kind of sweetened condensed milk?
You can use fat-free or low-fat sweetened condensed milk for a slightly lighter version, but the consistency may vary.
A Sweet, Chewy, and Nutty Treat
These Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with a rich caramel and nut filling on top of a buttery, chocolatey base. Whether you’re serving them as a dessert or snack, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chewy, nutty, and sweet treats!
