Caramel Nut Bars(Serves 36 Bars)
Indulgent caramel nut bars feature a buttery crust topped with rich caramel, pecans, and chocolate-flavored rice cereal, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings at gatherings or as a treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, beat cake mix, chocolate-flavored rice cereal, and butter until a dough forms.
- Reserve 1 cup of the dough for topping.
- Press the remaining dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and spread caramel and butterscotch caramel topping over the hot crust.
- Sprinkle pecans over the caramel layer.
- Crumble the reserved dough over the top.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate rice cereal instead of chocolate-flavored. If you're short on pecans, walnuts or almonds can be good substitutes. To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix. Be sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth to avoid lumps in your caramel layer. This dish is perfect for gatherings along with American recipes like My Momma'S Fruit Salad.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel nut bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. Pair them with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an afternoon snack. They also complement well with sweet dips, such as Roasted Pepper Dip, for a fun twist.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm. This will help soften the caramel and make the bars easier to cut and serve.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Nut Bars(Serves 36 Bars) contains roughly 235 calories, with 3g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can replace cream cheese with mascarpone for a different flavor profile. If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also work, though it may alter the texture slightly. Just ensure any substitute is well-blended for a smooth caramel layer.
What can I use instead of butterscotch caramel topping?
If you don't have butterscotch caramel topping, you can use regular caramel sauce or make your own by melting sugar and mixing it with cream. Alternatively, a drizzle of melted chocolate can provide a different yet delicious flavor combination.
Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
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).