Treasure Bars
Treasure Bars are rich, sweet treats packed with peanuts, chocolate chips, and coconut, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and sharing at gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat brown sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla to the mixture.
- Sift together dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Stir in peanuts, coconut, and chocolate chips into the mixture.
- Pour the mixture over the bottom layer.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown butter instead of oleo. You can swap out the peanuts for any nut of your choice, like almonds or walnuts, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds work well too. Adding a handful of chocolate chips can elevate the sweetness and texture, making these bars even more indulgent.
Serving Suggestions
These Treasure Bars make a delightful dessert on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a light Green Goddess Salad to balance the sweetness. They are perfect for picnics or as a sweet treat in lunchboxes, complementing savory dishes like Creamy Deviled Eggs.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Treasure Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, simply place a bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm, or enjoy them cold for a chewy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Treasure Bars contains roughly 397 calories, with 9g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (25% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2686mg per serving (117% 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 a different type of sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar, but it will change the flavor and moisture level slightly. Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor, while granulated sugar will make the bars less moist. If using granulated sugar, consider adding a tablespoon of molasses to mimic the characteristics of brown sugar.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free. This will maintain the texture and flavor while accommodating gluten-free diets.
How can I add more texture to the bars?
Consider incorporating rolled oats or a mix of different nuts and seeds for extra crunch. Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can also add chewiness and a burst of flavor. Just be mindful of the overall balance of ingredients to ensure the bars hold together.
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).