Hoosier Bars Recipe: A Heartfelt Treat from Indiana
Introduction
Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Hoosier state or just someone who appreciates the delightful, comforting flavors reminiscent of childhood, these Hoosier Bars will certainly capture your heart and taste buds. With their cookie-like crust and fluffy sweet topping, these bars are a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making them an ideal dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. This recipe, originally discovered on familytime.com and published by Nestle Very Best Baking, is a cherished family favorite that never fails to impress.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 142.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 7.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 18.5 mg |
| Sodium | 61.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 19.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Protein | 2.1 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 ½ cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1 cup | Brown sugar |
| ½ cup | Granulated sugar |
| ½ cup | Butter, softened |
| 2 tbsp | Margarine, softened |
| 2 | Eggs (separated) |
| 1 tsp | Vanilla extract |
| ¾ cup | Peanuts, chopped |
| 1 ½ cups | Chocolate morsels |
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin your culinary journey by preheating your oven to a comfortable 325°F (160°C). This step ensures that your Hoosier Bars bake evenly, giving you that perfect golden crust.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking soda, mixing them well to ensure even distribution. This mixture serves as the foundation for the delicious cookie-like crust that forms the base of your bars.
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Cream the Sugars and Fats: In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat together ½ cup of brown sugar, the granulated sugar, and the softened butter until the mixture becomes creamy and light. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture, contributing to the fluffiness of your bars.
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Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Once the sugar and butter are well combined, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the creamy mixture, blending until fully incorporated. The richness of the yolks and the aromatic vanilla will enhance the overall flavor profile.
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Incorporate the Flour Mixture: Gradually add the flour and baking soda mixture to the creamed mixture, stirring gently until the dough becomes crumbly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture.
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Fold in the Chocolate and Peanuts: Gently stir in 1 ½ cups of chocolate morsels and ½ cup of chopped peanuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This addition will give your bars a delightful crunch and bursts of chocolatey goodness.
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Press the Dough into the Pan: Prepare a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan. To make pressing the dough easier and cleaner, cover it with cling wrap before using your hands to spread the dough evenly across the bottom of the pan. This technique not only keeps your hands clean but also helps achieve an even layer.
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Beat the Egg Whites: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with a mixer until soft peaks form. This step is key for creating a light, fluffy topping.
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Incorporate Remaining Brown Sugar: Gradually add the remaining brown sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This meringue-like mixture will create a wonderful, airy layer atop the bars.
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Spread the Egg White Mixture: Gently spread the egg white and sugar mixture over the pressed dough in the baking pan, ensuring even coverage.
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Add More Chocolate and Peanuts: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chocolate morsels and ¼ cup of chopped peanuts over the top of the egg white mixture, allowing them to rest gently on the surface.
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Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; they should be lightly golden and set in the center.
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Cool: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for approximately 20 minutes. This cooling period will make it easier to cut the bars without them falling apart.
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Cut and Serve: While the bars are still warm, carefully cut them into squares or rectangles. This is arguably the best time to enjoy them—fresh from the oven, with the layers still slightly soft and gooey.
Conclusion
These Hoosier Bars, with their comforting blend of chocolate, nuts, and a delightful sweet topping, not only pay homage to their Indiana roots but also serve as a reminder of the joy that baking can bring to our lives. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, or for indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Enjoy your culinary creation, and don’t forget to share the love!
