Most of the time, our mission is to keep those mischievous squirrels away from our gardens. They seem to have an innate ability to disrupt our plants, searching for places to hide their trove of treasures. However, this time around, we’re dedicating a nutty treat just for us humans, and the similarity we share with our bushy-tailed friends is simple: the urge to squirrel away treats before they’re all gone! As soon as these treats grace our table, everyone seems to get that “squirrel vibe,” trying to swipe an extra piece or two.
Crafting these treats is a breeze. Their enchanting blend of sweet and savory flavors will leave you craving more! Starting with a crunchy cookie base, we layer on a soft filling, and crown it all with a mesmerizing swirl of caramel and nuts. Here’s a tip: to make the flavors pop, toast the nuts before adding them. This elevates the nuttiness, giving the bars a more luxurious and robust taste.
These bars are our secret weapon, perfect for any occasion—be it bake sales, potlucks, or festive gatherings. With their unique flair, our nutty bars are set to steal the spotlight. Haven’t tried salted caramel yet? Oh, you’re in for a treat! The mix of sweet and salty, paired with the crunch of nuts and the cookie base, is divine. And the versatility! Walnuts, pecans, peanuts, you name it—though we recommend unsalted nuts to keep the balance right. In essence, our bars are a symphony of sweet, savory, crunchy, and chewy. Dive in and enjoy every bite!
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (set 2 tablespoons aside)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup caramel baking chips
½ cup nuts of your choice (almonds, pecans, or walnuts), chopped
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the baking rack is in the middle. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang to help with lifting out the finished bars.
In a spacious bowl, whisk together the sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of softened butter until light and airy.
Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and flour until it forms a smooth dough.
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