Caramel Cashew Bars
Indulgent caramel cashew bars feature flaky rolls, gooey caramel, crunchy cashews, and chocolate, creating a rich treat perfect for sharing at gatherings or satisfying sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Press 4 Rhodes Texas rolls together and roll into a 9 x 13-inch rectangle on a baking sheet sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Repeat with the remaining rolls and layer over the first sheet.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips evenly over the rolled dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Meanwhile, melt the caramels with evaporated milk and butter in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked rolls and chocolate chips.
- Sprinkle cashew halves evenly over the caramel layer.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel layer before it sets. If you don't have cashews, feel free to substitute with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also use homemade caramel to control the sweetness level. Ensure the rolls are evenly pressed to avoid uneven baking.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel cashew bars make a delightful dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a fun twist, serve them alongside Tess' Rice Pudding for a comforting dessert duo. They’re perfect for gatherings, parties, or as a sweet treat after dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover caramel cashew bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last about a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Cashew Bars contains roughly 1021 calories, with 13g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 521mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before cutting and storing them. This allows the flavors to meld and makes them easier to slice. Simply reheat slightly if desired before serving.
What can I use instead of evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of regular milk and cream. Use 2/3 cup of whole milk mixed with 1/3 cup of heavy cream to mimic the richness of evaporated milk in this recipe.
Can I freeze these caramel cashew bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).