Caramel Walnut Bars
Rich caramel walnut bars feature a buttery crust topped with sweet caramel and crunchy walnuts, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix flour, brown sugar, beaten egg, and oleo until crumbly.
- Add walnuts to the mixture.
- Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture; press the remaining mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt 24 Kraft caramels, 1/4 cup oleo, and the sweetened condensed milk.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the baked crust.
- Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes or until bubbling.
- Allow to cool, then cut into bars and store loosely covered at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you don't have oleo, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. Make sure to chop the walnuts roughly to ensure an even distribution throughout the bars. To enhance the caramel flavor, you can add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These caramel walnut bars are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Poor Man Cinnamon Rolls for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store the caramel walnut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to extend their freshness, you can refrigerate them, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. For reheating, place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Caramel Walnut Bars contains roughly 97 calories, with 2g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 5g fat.
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 use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them roughly to maintain the texture. Each nut will impart a different flavor, so choose one that you enjoy!
What if I don't have Kraft caramels?
If you can't find Kraft caramels, you can use homemade caramel sauce or a store-bought version. Just ensure that it's thick enough to pour over the crust. Adjust the quantity to achieve the same consistency as the melted caramels in the recipe.
Can I freeze these caramel walnut bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best texture.
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).