Get ready to fall in love with the Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe, a delightful treat that perfectly balances rich caramel, cocoa, and crunchy nuts with a wonderfully chewy texture. These bars are the ultimate indulgence when you want something sweet, satisfying, and packed with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe hits the perfect note every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe lies in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each element brings something special to the table, from the buttery crust to the luscious caramel and the crunchy nut topping, creating a wonderfully harmonized flavor and texture combination.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter ensures a smooth, rich dough and creamy caramel base.
- Powdered sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and a velvety crust texture.
- Flour: The foundation that binds the crust perfectly without being too dense.
- Cocoa powder: Brings a subtle chocolate depth to the crust that complements the caramel.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the caramel layer its signature gooey, sweet richness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the caramel’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Caramel baking chips: Melt smoothly to enrich the nut topping with a creamy caramel coating.
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts): Provide a toasty crunch and nutty aroma that contrast beautifully with the chewiness.
- Heavy cream: Makes the caramel topping luxuriously smooth and glossy.
- Salt: Just a hint to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavors.
How to Make Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure an easy release later and even cooking. Setting up your workspace properly at the start makes the whole process flow effortlessly.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of softened butter until fluffy and smooth. This airy mixture is the base of the crust and gives it a tender texture.
Step 3: Add Cocoa Powder and Flour
Gradually mix in ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 1 ¼ cups flour until you form a thick dough. The cocoa provides a subtle chocolatey bite that perfectly contrasts the sweetness of the caramel, making this crust uniquely irresistible.
Step 4: Press the Dough Into the Pan
Carefully press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. The even layer ensures consistent baking and provides the perfect chewy foundation for the bars.
Step 5: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it’s set. It should feel firm but still tender — this step is crucial to give the bars structure without hardening the base.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to infuse the caramel with warm flavor.
Step 7: Spread the Caramel Over the Crust
Pour the luscious caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust, making sure every inch is covered. This gooey layer is where the bars get their signature chewiness and rich sweetness.
Step 8: Bake the Caramel Layer
Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes until the caramel layer turns golden brown and bubbly. This step caramelizes the sugars further, intensifying the flavor and creating a wonderful texture contrast against the crust.
Step 9: Toast the Nuts
Toast ½ cup of your choice of chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts) in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Toasting brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, which is essential for the topping.
Step 10: Melt Caramel Chips and Cream
Melt 1 cup of caramel baking chips with 4 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring until perfectly smooth and glossy. This rich mixture will coat the nuts beautifully and tie the topping together.
Step 11: Combine Nuts, Salt, and Caramel
Fold the toasted nuts and 1 teaspoon of salt into the melted caramel mixture. The salt adds a subtle kick that balances the sweet and nutty flavors magnificently.
Step 12: Spread the Nutty Caramel Topping
Evenly spread your nutty caramel topping over the baked caramel layer, smoothing it out for a luscious finish. The crunchy, chewy layers create a truly unforgettable bite.
Step 13: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 24 squares. Cooling lets the layers set properly for clean, neat bars that hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate the presentation and add a subtle extra touch of sweetness. You can also sprinkle a few whole nuts on top to make the bars look extra inviting and to highlight the nutty goodness inside.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, turning them into a decadent dessert. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a rich, creamy hot chocolate also complements the bars’ caramel and nut flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with an assortment of fresh seasonal fruits, such as berries or sliced apples, for a lovely contrast in texture and freshness. Wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift or party favor, sharing the joy of this Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They stay chewy and flavorful for up to one week, making them perfect to prepare in advance for a party or just for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying for a fresh-baked taste any time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, gently reheat individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low-heat oven for a few minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as the caramel can become too soft quickly, but the warm gooey texture is absolutely worth it.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts with seeds or omit them?
Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, they make a great crunchy alternative. Omitting the nuts entirely will change the texture but the bars remain deliciously chewy and sweet.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Using salted butter is fine, but reduce the additional salt in the topping to avoid overly salty bars. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor balance, especially important with the sweet caramel layers.
Do I need to line the baking pan with parchment paper?
While not absolutely necessary, using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan cleanly after baking. It’s a small step that saves a lot of frustration and keeps your bars looking perfect.
Can I make smaller or larger bars?
Yes, this recipe is flexible! For bite-sized pieces, cut the bars into smaller squares; for more indulgent portions, make them larger. Just keep in mind that cooking times remain the same, so watch for doneness during baking.
Is there a way to make these bars nut-free?
Definitely! Simply skip the nuts or substitute them with toasted seeds to keep that lovely crunch. You can also add shredded coconut or crispy rice cereal for texture without nuts.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of the Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe is like a little celebration of sweet, nutty, and chewy goodness all rolled into one. It’s a recipe that’s straightforward to make but delivers big on flavor, perfect for sharing or savoring solo. I can’t wait for you to try this one out and discover your own favorite way to enjoy these irresistible bars!
Print
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a rich cocoa crust topped with a luscious caramel layer and a crunchy nutty caramel topping. These bars combine the smoothness of caramel and sweetened condensed milk with the toasted aroma of nuts, creating a perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ¾ sticks unsalted butter, softened (divided)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
Caramel Layer
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Nutty Caramel Topping
- 1 cup caramel baking chips
- 4 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, beat together 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of softened butter until the mixture becomes fluffy, ensuring a light and tender crust base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in ⅓ cup cocoa powder and 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour into the butter mixture until a thick, cohesive dough forms.
- Press Dough: Evenly press this dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it is set and firm to the touch.
- Prepare the Caramel Layer: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Remove from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to add depth of flavor.
- Apply Caramel Layer: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the baked crust and spread it out smoothly using a spatula.
- Bake the Caramel: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel layer turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is cooked through.
- Prepare Nut Topping: Toast ½ cup chopped nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Allow to cool slightly, then chop roughly to maintain texture.
- Melt Caramel Chips: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup caramel baking chips with 4 tablespoons heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Mix Nut Topping: Fold the toasted nuts and 1 teaspoon salt into the melted caramel mixture, combining evenly.
- Top Bars: Spread the nutty caramel mixture evenly over the baked caramel layer for added texture and flavor.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into 24 squares for serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easier removal and cleanup.
- Toast nuts carefully to avoid burning, which can impart a bitter flavor.
- Ensure the caramel is bubbly before removing from the oven to achieve the perfect texture.
- Bars can be stored airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
