Salted Caramel Nut Bars

 

Salted Caramel Nut Bars

The school chef from my younger years often made these — and they were always flawless.

Salted caramel nut bars are one of those delightful treats that perfectly balance sweet and salty flavors, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Evolving from the classic caramel bar, this version is elevated with a sprinkle of sea salt and a generous topping of mixed nuts. Whether you’re cozying up at home or heading to a bustling potluck, these bars are sure to satisfy.

As someone who loves both baking and the soothing act of caramelizing sugar, these bars offer the best of both worlds. The contrast between the crumbly, buttery base and the smooth, rich caramel topping is simply irresistible.

Serving Suggestions
These bars are decadently rich, so they pair wonderfully with something light and refreshing. Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to offset the caramel’s sweetness. For a brighter twist, a fresh fruit salad with a hint of mint makes a lovely companion. If you’re serving these at a gathering, a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk rounds things out beautifully.

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Salted Caramel Nut Bars

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds, pecans, and walnuts), roughly chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, ½ cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly.

3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let it cool slightly.

5. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon of butter.

6. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 5–7 minutes until thickened.

7. Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and chopped nuts.

8. Pour the caramel-nut mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.

9. Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.

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Variations & Tips:

• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a chocolate twist by drizzling melted dark chocolate over the bars before they set.

• Nut Swap: Try hazelnuts or macadamia nuts for a unique flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

• Fruity Touch: Spread a thin layer of raspberry or apricot jam over the crust before pouring on the caramel topping.