Decadent Nutty Squirrel Bars

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 extract

1 cup caramel baking chips

½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts

4 tablespoons heavy cream

1 teaspoon salt

𝗗𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Prepare Butter: Set aside 2 tablespoons of butter.

Make Base: In a large bowl, beat together the powdered sugar and 1 ¾ sticks of butter until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the cocoa powder and flour until well combined.

Press and Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish and press it down. Bake for 15 minutes.

Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the reserved 2 tablespoons of butter with the sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture thickens, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Second Bake: Pour the sauce over the baked crust. Return to the oven and bake until the top is golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.

Toast Nuts: In a dry pan, toast the nuts until fragrant. Let them cool slightly, then roughly chop and set aside.

Caramel Topping: Melt the caramel baking chips with the heavy cream in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring each time until smooth (about 2 minutes).

Combine and Spread: Fold the chopped nuts and salt into the caramel mixture, then pour and spread it over the baked crust.

Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Calories: 250 kcal per serving | Servings: 24 bars

Enjoy these delectable Nutty Squirrel Bars, packed with layers of flavor and the perfect balance of chewy, nutty, and sweet!