Elevate Your Sweet Experience: Crafting Divine Salted Nut Roll Bars

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the irresistible allure of salted nuts, the sweetness of caramel, and the satisfaction of a chewy bar with our Salted Nut Roll Bars recipe. These bars take the beloved flavors of a classic Salted Nut Roll and transform them into a portable, shareable, and utterly indulgent treat. Join us as we delve into the art of creating these divine bars that promise to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Nut Filling:

• 2 cups salted mixed nuts (peanuts, almonds, cashews), roughly chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Marshmallow Layer:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 10 ounces mini marshmallows

For the Caramel Coating:

• 1 cup caramel candies
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For the Bar Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Salty Finish:

• Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Nut Filling:
   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and butter. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Add sweetened condensed milk and continue stirring until the mixture reaches a soft ball stage (about 235°F or 113°C on a candy thermometer). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped mixed nuts. Set aside.
2. Create the Marshmallow Layer:
   • In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add mini marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Bar Base:
   • In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Dry Ingredients Addition:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Assemble the Bar Layers:
   • Press two-thirds of the bar base mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture over the base layer. Then, evenly spread the prepared nut filling over the marshmallow layer.
6. Top Layer Completion:
   • Crumble the remaining one-third of the bar base mixture over the nut filling, creating a crumbly top layer.
7. Bake to Perfection:
   • Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Allow the bars to cool completely.
8. Prepare the Caramel Coating:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel candies and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is smooth. Pour the caramel over the cooled bars.
9. Salty Finish:
   • Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer, pressing it gently to adhere.
10. Chill and Serve:
    • Place the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set. Once set, slice into bars and savor the divine combination of flavors and textures.

Cook Notes

• Candy Thermometer Tip: Invest in a good-quality candy thermometer for precise temperature control when making the nut filling.
• Hot Knife for Clean Cuts: Dip the knife in hot water before slicing to ensure clean cuts through the sticky layers.
• Experiment with Nuts: Customize the nut filling with your favorite nuts or a combination for added texture and flavor.
• Caramel Consistency: Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the caramel coating to achieve your desired consistency.

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle Delight:

• Drizzle melted chocolate over the nut filling before adding the marshmallow layer for a decadent chocolatey twist.

Espresso Fusion:

• Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the nut filling for a subtle coffee kick.

Coconutty Bliss:

• Mix shredded coconut into the nut filling for a tropical flavor infusion.

Keto Version

Almond Flour Adaptation:

• Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the bar base for a keto-friendly alternative.

Monk Fruit Sweetening:

• Use monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated and brown sugar for both the bar base and caramel coating.

Sugar-Free Nut Selection:

• Choose sugar-free nuts or lightly roasted nuts to maintain a low-carb profile.

Low Carb Version

Coconut Flour Transformation:

• Replace all-purpose flour with coconut flour in the bar base for a low-carb adaptation.

Coconut Oil Exchange:

• Substitute coconut oil for butter in the bar base for a low-carb twist.

Stevia Sweetening:

• Choose a stevia-based sweetener in place of granulated and brown sugar for both the bar base and caramel coating.

In conclusion, these Salted Nut Roll Bars are a testament to the magic that happens when classic flavors are reinvented into a convenient and delectable bar form. Whether you’re sharing them at gatherings or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, these bars promise to deliver an elevated sweet experience.

Experiment with variations, adapt it to keto or low-carb preferences, and relish in the joy of crafting a treat that blends sweet, salty, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. For more culinary adventures and mouthwatering inspirations, stay tuned to our blog. Happy baking, and may your Salted Nut Roll Bar moments be filled with divine sweetness!