Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars

Most of the time we’re trying to keep squirrels out of our yard; those pesky critters are always digging up our flowers and plants to bury their stash of nuts and goodies. In this case, we’re willing to make an exception, because these particular nutty treats are exclusively for humans, and we can guarantee you’ll relate to the squirrel on one level: the desire to hide snacks so no one else can eat them! Once these show up on our kitchen counter, everyone starts to act a little squirrely” as they try to sneak off with a bar (or two!).

These are super easy to make, and come with a sweet and salty combination of flavors that we absolutely go nuts for! A crisp cookie base is covered with a chewy filling, and that chewy filling is topped with a delightfully delicious swirl of caramel and nuts. Our secret here is to toast the nuts before they go on top of the bars. Toasting really brings out that nutty flavor and makes the cookie taste a little more decadent and rich than it would otherwise.

This is the type of treat that we love to have in our recipe arsenal; it’s great at any time of year, for bake sales, fundraisers, potlucks, and for holiday cookie exchanges. Nutty squirrel bars will stand out from the usual cookie fare and are downright irresistible. Salted caramel, if you’ve not tried it, is the perfect combination of salty and sweet, and we love the crunch factor that comes from both the nuts and cookie base. We love all the layers of flavor! Try these with walnuts, pecans, peanuts…almost any nut will do; we prefer to use unsalted so that the dessert isn’t overwhelmed with salty flavor. Our squirrel bars are sweet, chewy, salty, nutty – we think that’s a recipe for success!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors.
• Easy to make, with simple steps and ingredients.
• Rich, decadent, and perfect for any occasion.
• Customizable with your choice of nuts.
• Great for sharing at gatherings or keeping as a special treat for yourself.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Electric mixer
• Dry pan for toasting nuts

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened and divided
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 ¼ cup flour
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup caramel baking chips
• ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans or walnuts
• 4 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set aside 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of butter until fluffy. Slowly add the cocoa powder and flour, mixing until well incorporated.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and press to spread evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until thickened, then remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour this sauce over the baked crust and return to the oven to bake until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
6. Toast the nuts in a dry pan until fragrant, then cool slightly and roughly chop. Set aside.
7. Melt the caramel chips in the microwave with the heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, for about 2 minutes. Fold the nuts and salt into the caramel sauce, then pour over the top of the baked crust and spread to the edges. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal from the dish.
• Toast the nuts to enhance their flavor.
• Cool the bars completely before cutting to maintain their shape.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try adding a pinch of sea salt on top for an extra salty kick.
• Experiment with different nuts or even a mix for varied flavors.
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a chocolatey twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact values can vary, each serving typically includes:

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 80mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but consider reducing the added salt to balance flavors.

How should I store these bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Conclusion

There you have it—our Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them with friends and family or keeping them as a well-deserved personal indulgence, these bars are sure to be a hit. We’d love to hear how yours turn out, so don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative twists you try. Happy baking!