Description
Sweet and nutty Butterscotch Nut Bars promise a delightful dessert experience that whisks souls into pure indulgence. Rich layers of buttery goodness and caramelized nuts make you crave each irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted macadamia nuts
- 1 cup roasted cashews
- 1 package (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
Base Ingredients:
- 1 package (17.5 ounces / 496 grams) sugar cookie mix
- 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 1 egg
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar cookie mix, butterscotch pudding mix, softened butter, and egg. Blend thoroughly until a uniform, slightly sticky dough develops.
- Transfer the dough to an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Use fingertips or a spatula to distribute the mixture evenly, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust sets and edges turn golden brown.
- Meanwhile, prepare the caramel sauce by placing unwrapped caramels and evaporated milk in a large saucepan. Melt over medium-low heat, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until completely smooth.
- Remove caramel from heat and fold in roasted macadamia nuts, roasted cashews, and vanilla extract, ensuring all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
- After removing the crust from the oven, immediately pour the hot caramel-nut mixture over the surface, spreading to create an even layer.
- Quickly scatter butterscotch chips across the warm caramel, allowing the residual heat to slightly soften the chips.
- Let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours. For precise cutting, refrigerate for 30 minutes before slicing into 24 squares.
- Preserve bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness. Use parchment paper between layers when stacking.
Notes
- Choose high-quality caramels for a richer, more luxurious flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
- Toasting nuts beforehand intensifies their natural oils and creates a deeper, more complex nutty taste that complements the butterscotch.
- For a gluten-free version, swap the sugar cookie mix with a gluten-free alternative and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Create a dairy-free adaptation by using coconut milk instead of evaporated milk and plant-based butter substitutes in the base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg