There is something irresistibly comforting about a sweet and salty treat that brings layers of flavor and texture in every bite. This Caramel Nut Bars Recipe delivers just that, combining a buttery shortbread crust with crunchy salted peanuts and cashews, fluffy marshmallows, and luscious caramel that melts on top. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert or a cozy snack to enjoy with your tea, these bars are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these bars shine. Each one plays an important role, from the crumbly base to the gooey caramel topping, ensuring a perfect balance of taste, texture, and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Flour: Provides the structure for the shortbread crust, creating a tender but sturdy base.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the crust’s texture.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and moisture to the crust, ensuring it’s buttery and delicious.
- Roasted salted peanuts: Offer a crunchy texture and a salty contrast that complements the sweetness.
- Roasted salted cashews: Add a creamy crunch and nutty depth to the filling.
- Mini marshmallows: Provide a soft, chewy layer that melts slightly during baking for that perfect gooey bite.
- Caramel candies: Melt to form a luscious, sweet topping that ties all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream: Creams up the caramel, making it smooth and pourable.
How to Make Caramel Nut Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a 9×13-inch pan with foil or parchment paper to make removal easy. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour and sugar before cutting in the cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter, mixer, or your hands to combine until the mixture looks crumbly but holds together when squeezed. This buttery crust is the perfect foundation, crisp yet tender.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Press the crumbly dough evenly into your prepared pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the surface looks dry but hasn’t yet browned. This step ensures the crust sets up nicely before you add the sweet filling.
Step 3: Add Nuts and Marshmallows
Once the crust is baked, sprinkle the roasted salted peanuts, cashews, and mini marshmallows evenly over the top. These ingredients bring a delightful contrast of crunch and chewiness that will shine through after baking.
Step 4: Melt and Pour the Caramel
In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together your caramel candies and heavy cream until completely melted and smooth. This step transforms the caramel into a glossy topping that will coat the nuts and marshmallows beautifully. Drizzle the caramel mixture in a thin, even line over the nut layer to get maximum coverage.
Step 5: Final Bake and Cool
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 6 to 8 minutes, just until the caramel bubbles around the edges. The heat helps everything meld together into a glorious sweet and salty topping. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to keep that clean bar shape.
How to Serve Caramel Nut Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, consider sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt over the bars just before serving. It enhances the salted nut flavor and balances the sweetness of the caramel. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, festive look.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a warm mug of milk. They also make a perfect after-dinner treat alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to contrast the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the bars with whipped cream and berries in a glass for a beautiful dessert parfait. Or, cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with assorted nuts and dried fruits for a party snack spread that will disappear fast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover caramel nut bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their chewy and crunchy textures while keeping the caramel soft.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for up to a month by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these bars warm, gently reheat them in a low oven (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it can make the texture gummy.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! While peanuts and cashews give a lovely salty crunch, you can swap in almonds, walnuts, or pecans depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Are these bars gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends that measure cup-for-cup for an alternative option.
Can I substitute the marshmallows?
If marshmallows aren’t your thing, you could try chopped dried fruit or even bits of white chocolate for a different twist. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will change slightly.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the caramel?
Heavy cream helps create a smooth, creamy caramel sauce that sets perfectly on the bars. You can try milk or half-and-half in a pinch, but the texture may be less rich.
How long do the caramel nut bars keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Beyond that, freezing is the best way to preserve their quality.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the ins and outs of this delectable Caramel Nut Bars Recipe, it’s time to get baking. These bars combine everything you love about homemade treats: buttery crust, crunchy nuts, gooey caramel, and the comforting familiarity of marshmallows. I promise once you try them, they’ll become a go-to dessert that brings smiles all around. Happy baking!
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Caramel Nut Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Caramel Nut Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust layered with roasted salted peanuts and cashews, mini marshmallows, and a luscious caramel and cream drizzle. This easy-to-make dessert offers the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors and a delightful chewy texture.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cubed)
Filling
- 1 cup roasted, salted peanuts
- 1 cup roasted, salted cashews
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 36 caramel candies, unwrapped (like Kraft)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with tin foil or parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and granulated sugar. Add the cubed unsalted butter and mix with a pastry cutter, electric mixer, or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when squeezed.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust appears dry but not browned.
- Add the Nut and Marshmallow Layer: Evenly sprinkle the roasted salted peanuts, cashews, and mini marshmallows over the baked crust.
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together the unwrapped caramel candies and heavy cream until melted and smooth, forming a creamy caramel sauce.
- Top with Caramel and Bake: Drizzle the caramel sauce thinly over the nut and marshmallow layer, trying to cover as much surface area as possible. Return to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, until the caramel is just bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing into the crust.
- For a different nut flavor, substitute the peanuts and cashews with almonds or walnuts.
- Make sure to cool the bars fully to allow the caramel to set properly for clean slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Line the pan well to lift out the entire slab for easier cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
