Caramel Nut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Nut Bars are a decadent dessert combining a buttery shortbread crust with a rich caramel topping studded with mixed nuts. These bars are a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them ideal for special occasions or as a treat with your afternoon coffee. They’re easy to prepare, yet look and taste gourmet, making them a crowd-pleaser at gatherings

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
(Optional) 1 large egg, vanilla extract, and water for a more structured crust

For the Caramel Nut Topping:

1 cup caramel baking bits or 36 unwrapped caramel candies
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar (optional for added richness)
1 cup roasted peanuts
1 cup roasted cashews
Optional: chopped pecans, almonds, or pistachios for variety

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or your hands until crumbly.
- Press the mixture evenly into a lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool
Prepare the Caramel Nut Topping:
- Melt caramel bits, cream, butter, and optional brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Mix in roasted nuts of your choice.
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the caramel-nut mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Bake for another 5-8 minutes, until the caramel begins to bubble around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Conclusion

These Caramel Nut Bars are a luxurious dessert that combines texture and flavor into one irresistible treat. Their versatility allows for easy customization with your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or gifting, these bars will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire