Salted Nut Squares
Salted Nut Squares offer a delightful combination of salty peanuts and sweet, creamy peanut butter flavors, making them a perfect treat for parties or family gatherings. These chewy bars are easy to make and are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike with their irresistible crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place half the peanuts in an ungreased 11 x 7-inch pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and peanut butter chips over low heat.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and marshmallows.
- Cook and stir until melted.
- Pour the mixture over the peanuts.
- Sprinkle the remaining peanuts on top.
- Cover and refrigerate.
- Cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened peanut butter instead of peanut butter chips. You can also substitute almonds or cashews for the peanuts if you want to experiment with different nut flavors. If you prefer a crunchier texture, lightly toast the peanuts before adding them to the mixture. Keep an eye on the melting process to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These salted nut squares make a delightful treat on their own but can also be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Serve alongside coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon snack. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings, especially with other American recipes like Date Cake or Crescent Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to three months. To enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salted Nut Squares contains roughly 2611 calories, with 60g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 202g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (120% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (74% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1773mg per serving (77% 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 use other types of nuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salted peanuts are traditional, you can use other nuts like almonds, cashews, or even a mix of your favorites. Just ensure that the nuts are unsalted if you prefer a less salty flavor profile.
What can I do if I don't have peanut butter chips?
If peanut butter chips aren't available, you can substitute with a combination of creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just melt them together and adjust the sweetness to your preference, enhancing the flavor of the salted nut squares.
How can I make these squares more festive for holidays?
To make these salted nut squares more festive, consider adding seasonal toppings like colored sprinkles, or drizzling melted chocolate over the top before cutting them into bars. You can also incorporate festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the mixture for a seasonal twist.
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).