Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you craving more? Look no further than our Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars! These delectable treats are packed with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and a hint of salt, creating a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering with friends or simply treating yourself to a decadent dessert, these Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are sure to impress. Join us as we dive into the world of sweet indulgence and create this irresistible treat, complete with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb options.
Ingredients:
- 2 sticks butter (leave out a bit for later!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for sweetness)
- 1 1⁄4 cup flour (we like all-purpose)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Oooh chocolate!)
- 1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 tsp vanilla (the good stuff!)
- 1 cup caramel baking chips (for the drizzle)
- 1⁄2 cup chopped nuts (we won’t judge if you use mixed)
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream (aka caramel magic)
- 1 tsp salt (savory sweetness)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Make the Filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, remaining 1/4 cup of flour, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Add the Nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour over the Crust: Pour the filling mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake Again: Return the baking pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Caramel Drizzle: In a small saucepan, combine the caramel baking chips and heavy cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy.
- Drizzle the Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled bars.
- Sprinkle with Salt: Sprinkle the salt over the caramel drizzle.
- Chill and Serve: Place the bars in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Use Different Nuts: Feel free to use your favorite nuts in this recipe, such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts.
- Add a Hint of Spice: For a touch of warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling mixture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Swap out the caramel baking chips for chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Make Them Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of caramel baking chips?
A: Yes, you can substitute homemade caramel sauce for the caramel baking chips. Simply drizzle the homemade caramel sauce over the cooled bars.
Q: Can I make these bars in advance?
A: Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer.
Q: Can I omit the nuts?
A: If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer not to use nuts, you can omit them from the recipe. The bars will still be delicious without them.
Q: How should I store leftover bars?
A: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Nutty Squirrel Bars:
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a keto-friendly option.
- Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
- Omit the caramel sauce or use a sugar-free caramel sauce made with keto-friendly sweeteners.
Low-Carb Nutty Squirrel Bars:
- Opt for a low-carb baking mix or flour alternative such as almond flour or coconut flour.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
- Choose nuts that are lower in carbs, such as almonds or macadamia nuts.
Indulge your sweet tooth with our irresistible Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars. With their rich chocolate crust, creamy filling, crunchy nuts, and decadent caramel drizzle, these bars are sure to become a favorite among friends and family alike. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert to share, these Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are guaranteed to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a little slice of heaven with every bite!
With detailed instructions, cook notes, variations, and FAQs, this blog post provides all the information you need to create the perfect Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find everything you need to make this delicious treat a success
