Nutty Caramel Chip Bars Recipe
These Nutty Caramel Chip Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. The recipe, sourced from a local paper and inspired by the 125 Best Chocolate Chip Recipes, combines a buttery, soft base with a rich caramel topping, crunchy peanuts, and gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for a potluck, family gathering, or a mid-afternoon treat, these bars are a delightful balance of sweetness and crunch. Here’s how to make them:
Recipe Overview:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 36 bars
- Category: Bar Cookie
- Cuisine: American
- Keywords: Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, Potluck, Sweet, < 60 Mins, Oven
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 3/4 cup |
| Margarine | 3/4 cup |
| Sugar | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Peanuts (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Miniature marshmallows | 1 cup |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Bar):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 171.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 8.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 22.7 mg |
| Sodium | 60.7 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 22.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 14.9 g |
| Protein | 2.9 g |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually blend in the flour until fully incorporated, forming a thick dough-like texture.
-
-
Bake the Crust:
- Press the dough evenly into an ungreased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden around the edges.
-
Make the Caramel Sauce:
- While the crust is baking, melt the caramels and water in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
-
Prepare the Caramel Peanut Mixture:
- In a separate medium bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- Gradually blend the smooth caramel sauce into the beaten eggs, stirring until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped peanuts.
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Assemble the Bars:
- Once the crust has finished baking, remove the pan from the oven.
- Pour the caramel and peanut mixture over the warm crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.
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Add Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle the miniature marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer.
-
Final Bake:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are lightly browned and the chocolate chips are slightly melted.
-
Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This helps the caramel to set properly.
- Once cooled, cut into 36 bars for a delicious, bite-sized treat.
Tips for Success:
- Crust Variation: If you’d like to add a bit more texture to the crust, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or rolled oats for a rustic twist.
- Caramel: Be patient when melting the caramels—use low heat to prevent burning, and stir constantly to ensure smoothness.
- Peanut Substitute: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, try substituting with other nuts such as almonds, cashews, or pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the fridge for longer shelf life. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Why You’ll Love These Nutty Caramel Chip Bars:
These Nutty Caramel Chip Bars bring together everything you love about classic dessert bars: a buttery, soft base, a sweet, gooey caramel layer, and plenty of crunch from the peanuts and chocolate chips. Whether you’re serving them at a party, taking them to a potluck, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet cravings in the most delicious way possible.
Give them a try, and be prepared for everyone to ask for the recipe! Enjoy!
