Description
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
Ingredients:
2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and divided
1 cup powdered sugar
1¼ cups flour
⅓ cup cocoa powder
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup caramel baking chips
½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts
4 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Prepare Crust: In a large bowl, beat 1¾ sticks butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Gradually add flour and cocoa powder, mixing until well incorporated. Transfer batter to baking dish, press to spread evenly, and bake for 15 minutes.
Prepare Topping: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter with sweetened condensed milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour over baked crust and return to oven. Bake until golden brown, 8-10 minutes.
Prepare Caramel Layer: Toast nuts in a dry pan until fragrant. Cool slightly, then rough chop and set aside. Melt caramel chips with 4 tablespoons heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds, for about 2 minutes. Fold in nuts and salt.
Assemble: Pour caramel mixture over the cooled bars and spread to edges. Cool completely before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect bars every time. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing. For the crust, beat the butter and sugar for a full 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy; this incorporates air for a tender base. When pressing the crust into the pan, use the bottom of a measuring cup to create a perfectly even, compact layer. For the topping, constant stirring over low heat is non-negotiable to prevent the sweetened condensed milk from scorching. It should coat the back of a spoon thickly. When toasting the nuts, do not walk away—they burn quickly. Stir them in the dry pan for 3-5 minutes until you smell their aroma. The most critical step is allowing the bars to cool completely—at least 2 hours at room temperature—before cutting. This sets all the layers and ensures clean slices.
Serving Suggestions
These rich bars are a decadent treat on their own, but you can elevate them for any occasion. For a dessert platter, cut them into small, bite-sized squares and serve alongside strong black coffee or a glass of cold milk. To make them extra special for a party, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled caramel layer before cutting. A small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving beautifully balances the sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent sundae.
How-to Summary
To summarize, creating Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars involves four key stages: 1) Make a cocoa shortbread crust by creaming butter and sugar, then adding dry ingredients. Bake until set. 2) Create a fudgy layer by cooking sweetened condensed milk with butter until thickened, then baking it on the crust. 3) Prepare a caramel-nut topping by toasting nuts and melting caramel chips with cream, then combining them. 4) Assemble by spreading the caramel-nut mixture over the completely cooled base. Chill thoroughly before slicing into bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use salted butter? Yes, but omit the additional 1 teaspoon of salt from the caramel layer to avoid over-salting.
My caramel sauce is too thick to spread. What can I do? Gently reheat it for 10-15 seconds in the microwave and add a teaspoon more heavy cream to loosen it.
How should I store these bars? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The chilled bars have a delightful, firmer chew.
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely. Peanuts, hazelnuts, or even salted cashews would be delicious. The key is to toast them first for maximum flavor.
The middle layer didn’t get golden brown. Is it safe to eat? Yes, it is fully cooked. The golden color is for appearance and flavor depth. Ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider baking for the full 10 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not creaming the butter and sugar long enough: This results in a dense, crumbly crust instead of a tender one.
- Cutting the bars while warm: This causes the layers to smoosh together and creates a messy presentation. Patience is key.
- Over-toasting the nuts: Burnt nuts will impart a bitter flavor. Remove them from the pan as soon as they become fragrant.
- Overheating the caramel chips: Microwave in short bursts and stir well. Overheating can cause the caramel to seize and become grainy.
- Using a different pan size: A 9×13-inch pan is essential for the correct bar thickness. A smaller pan will make the layers too thick and may require longer baking.
Conclusion
These Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a show-stopping treat that masterfully combines a fudgy crust, a rich middle layer, and a salty-sweet caramel nut topping. While the process has several steps, each one is straightforward and leads to an incredibly satisfying homemade confection. By following the detailed guide and avoiding the common pitfalls, you’ll create a dessert that is sure to impress. The balance of textures and deep, nutty flavors makes these bars utterly irresistible. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!