Delight in Every Bite with Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars

Get ready to indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars. These delectable treats are the perfect combination of chewy, nutty, and sweet, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. Packed with rich cocoa, crunchy nuts, gooey caramel or butterscotch, and a buttery base, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a nut enthusiast, or simply looking for a delicious treat to enjoy with your coffee, Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are sure to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these irresistible bars at home.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup Cocoa Powder
• 1 1/4 cups Flour
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 4 tablespoons Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup chopped Nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or a mix)
• 1 cup Caramel or Butterscotch Baking Chips
• 1 (14-ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 sticks Unsalted Butter, at room temperature (reserve 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

Preparing the Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder, flour, and powdered sugar. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Adding the Butter: Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Forming the Base: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it firmly into an even layer on the bottom of the dish. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to smooth out the surface.

Layering the Nutty Filling:

1. Sprinkling the Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the top of the buttery base, pressing them gently into the surface.
2. Adding the Caramel or Butterscotch Chips: Sprinkle the caramel or butterscotch baking chips evenly over the nuts, distributing them as evenly as possible across the surface.

Creating the Gooey Topping:

1. Combining the Wet Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
2. Pouring the Mixture: Pour the wet mixture evenly over the top of the nut and chip layer, covering the entire surface of the bars.

Baking and Cooling:

1. Baking the Bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
2. Cooling and Cutting: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles, as desired.

Serving and Enjoying:

1. Serve and Indulge: Serve the Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars on a platter or individual plates, and enjoy them as a delightful snack or dessert. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for the ultimate indulgence.

Cook Notes and Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving. Use dark, milk, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
• Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer to omit nuts, simply leave them out of the recipe. You can add extra caramel or butterscotch chips for added sweetness and texture.
• Fruit Variation: Add a burst of fruity flavor by sprinkling dried fruit such as cranberries, raisins, or chopped apricots over the nut layer before adding the chips and wet mixture.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

Keto Version:

• Almond Flour Substitute: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a keto-friendly alternative. Almond flour is low in carbs and adds a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use sugar-free sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia in place of powdered sugar and sweetened condensed milk to reduce the carb content of the bars.

Low-Carb Version:

• Coconut Flour Option: Substitute coconut flour for the all-purpose flour to create a low-carb version of the bars. Coconut flour is higher in fiber and lower in carbs than traditional flour, making it a suitable alternative for low-carb diets.
• Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Replace the caramel or butterscotch baking chips with unsweetened coconut flakes to reduce the sugar content of the bars while still adding texture and flavor.

In conclusion, Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delightful treat that combines rich cocoa, crunchy nuts, gooey caramel or butterscotch, and a buttery base to create a truly irresistible indulgence. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a decadent dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. With their simple ingredients and easy preparation, they’re perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday parties. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with these delicious bars.

Additional Tips and Tricks

• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be refrigerated for longer storage or frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.
• Customization: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences by adding extra ingredients such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or shredded coconut. Get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations to create your own unique version of Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars.
• Portion Control: To ensure even portions, use a ruler or knife to mark the bars before cutting them. This will help you achieve uniform sizes and ensure everyone gets an equal share of these delicious treats.