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
