Introduction
These Caramel Nut Bars are a delightful combination of sweet caramel and crunchy nuts on a buttery crust. Perfect for a dessert treat or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests with its rich flavors.
Detailed Ingredients
250g all-purpose flour
100g granulated sugar
200g unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
300g mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts), roughly chopped
300g soft caramel candies
60ml heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23x33cm (9×13-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there’s some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Add cubed, chilled unsalted butter, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter will create a flaky texture in the baked crust.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan, making sure it’s even. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Filling
While the crust is cooling, melt the soft caramel candies along with heavy cream in a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes smooth and luscious. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balance.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Sprinkle the chopped mixed nuts evenly over the baked crust. Then, pour the warm caramel mixture over the nuts, spreading it gently to ensure each nut is enveloped in that sweet, gooey goodness.
Step 6: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes. You want to see bubbles forming in the caramel, indicating that it’s beginning to set.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack. For optimal texture, refrigerate the bars for about 1 hour. This step ensures the caramel sets perfectly, making it easier to cut.
Step 8: Cut and Serve
Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the cooled bars out of the pan. Cut into bars of your preferred size. The flavors and textures are now ready to be enjoyed and shared!
Notes
Storage Suggestions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture.
Nut Variations
Feel free to customize the mixed nuts based on your preference or availability. Cashews, macadamia nuts, or even chocolate chips are delightful alternatives.
Caramel Alternatives
If you’re in a pinch, homemade caramel sauce or even store-bought caramel sauce can be used instead of soft caramel candies.
Serving Ideas
Pair these caramel nut bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience that will surely satisfy.
Cook Techniques
Mixing the Crust
Combine flour and sugar in a large bowl. Add cubed, chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to achieve a coarse crumb texture. This technique is essential for creating a flaky, buttery crust.
Baking the Crust
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan and bake until lightly golden. Monitoring the color of the crust is crucial to prevent over-baking.
Melting Caramel
Use low heat to melt caramel candies with heavy cream in a saucepan. Stir frequently to ensure the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, preventing burning.
Combining Nuts and Caramel
Evenly sprinkle chopped nuts over the baked crust and pour the warm caramel mixture on top. This layering technique ensures that every bite is filled with both nuts and caramel.
Baking the Bars
Return the assembled bars to the oven to bake until the caramel is bubbly and sets. The second baking ensures the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Cooling and Setting
Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating. Chilling for about an hour helps the caramel firm up, making cutting easier.
Cutting the Bars
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then cut into desired sizes. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for a professional presentation.
FAQ
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, you can substitute or mix different nuts based on your preference or availability. Just make sure to chop them roughly.
How should I store the Caramel Nut Bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used, but the texture may differ slightly. Ensure it’s thick enough to hold the nuts.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or half-and-half, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How do I know when the caramel is set?
The caramel is set when it is firm to touch and doesn’t feel sticky. Refrigerating helps achieve this consistency.
Conclusion
These Caramel Nut Bars are a perfect dessert that combines the richness of caramel with the crunch of nuts over a buttery crust. They not only make a delicious treat for yourself but also an impressive dish to share with friends and family on special occasions.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Caramel Nut Bars
Add a layer of melted chocolate on top of the caramel mixture before baking for an indulgent twist.
Salted Caramel Pretzel Bars
Incorporate crushed pretzels into the topping for a sweet and salty flavor combination that enhances the bars.
Coconut Caramel Nut Bars
Mix in shredded coconut along with the nuts to add a tropical flair to the classic recipe.
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
Swirl in some peanut butter into the caramel for a nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the mixed nuts.
Spiced Nut Bars
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg to the crust and the nuts for a warming spice that complements the sweetness.
Fruit and Nut Caramel Bars
Incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or apricots alongside the nuts for a refreshing burst of flavor.
