Name: Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 24 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix; 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 egg; 1 package (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 cup roasted macadamia nuts; 1 cup roasted cashews; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup butterscotch chips

Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth and a penchant for textures that dance on the tongue. These bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a comforting hug in bar form, a nostalgic trip back to simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering. What is it about these bars that makes them so irresistible? It’s the magical interplay of rich, molten butterscotch and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts, all encased in a tender, slightly chewy base. Each bite delivers a delightful contrast, a symphony of sweet, nutty, and buttery notes that will have you reaching for just one more. We’ve perfected a recipe that ensures that signature gooeyness and a depth of flavor that’s truly unforgettable. Get ready to fall in love with these Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars!

Ingredients:

1 package (17.5 oz) sugar cookie mix
1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 package (14 oz) caramels, unwrapped
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 cup roasted macadamia nuts
1 cup roasted cashews
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butterscotch chips

Preparing the Base

Mixing the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire package of sugar cookie mix with the instant butterscotch pudding mix. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the pudding mix is evenly distributed throughout the sugar cookie mix. This is crucial for consistent flavor and texture in your final bars. Next, add the softened butter and the egg to the dry ingredients. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula, mix on low speed until the ingredients just start to come together, forming a crum extractbly dough. Don’t overmix at this stage; we want a tender base.

Pressing the Base into the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars out easier later. Tarum extractthe crumbly dough you’ve just made and press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to get a nice, compact layer. Ensure there are no large gaps or thick spots. This uniform base will cook evenly and provide a delightful foundation for the gooey layers to come.

Crafting the Gooey Caramel Layer

Melting the Caramels

In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unwrapped caramels and the evaporated milk. Stir constantly as the caramels begin extract to melt. Evaporated milk helps to create a smoother, more luscious caramel sauce that spreads beautifully. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent the caramel from scorching on the bottom of the pan. Once the caramels are completely melted and you have a smooth, pourable sauce, remove the pan from the heat. This mixture will be rich, decadent, and the heart of our Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars.

Incorporating the Nuts and Vanilla

To the melted caramel mixture, stir in the roasted macadamia nuts and roasted cashews. Having the nuts already roasted enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch. Also, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract at this point. The vanilla will complement the sweetness of the caramel and the richness of the nuts. Stir everything together until the nuts are well coated in the caramel sauce. This ensures that every bite of your bars will have that delightful nutty element.

Assembling and Baking the Bars

Layering the Gooey Topping

Carefully pour the hot caramel and nut mixture evenly over the pressed sugar cookie and pudding base in the baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, ensuring it reaches all the edges of the pan. Don’t worry if some of the base peeks through; this adds to the rustic charm. Immediately sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the warm caramel layer. The residual heat from the caramelgin extractll begin to melt the chips slightly, creating a beautiful, glossy finish and an extra burst of butterscotch flavor.

Baking to Perfection

Place the assembled pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges of the base are golden brown and the caramel topping is bubbly and looks set. Keep an eye on the bars during the last few minutes of baking. You want the caramel to be gooey but not burnt. The sugar cookie base should be cooked through. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is essential for the caramel to firm up slightly, making them much easier to cut. Trying to cut them while hot will result in a messy, unmanageable situation.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Cooling and Cutting

After the bars have cooled completely in the pan, you can proceed to cut them. If you used parchment paper with overhangs, gently lift the entire slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into your desired serving size. Squares or rectangles work best for these bars. If the caramel has set nicely, you should get clean cuts. If it’s still a bit soft, you might need to wipe your knife between cuts. These Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Enjoying Your Delicious Creation

These Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars are a fantastic treat for any occasion. The combination of the tender, buttery cookie base infused with butterscotch, the rich and chewy caramel layer, the crunch of roasted nuts, and the melted butterscotch chips makes for an irresistible dessert. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, though they rarely last that long! You can also gently warm them for a few seconds in the microwave to revive that gooey caramel texture if you prefer. Enjoy every decadent bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe for Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars! This delightful treat strikes the perfect balance between chewy, sweet, and nutty, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The rich butterscotch combined with the crunch of nuts is truly irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these as much as I do. They are fantastic on their own, but also wonderful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different nut combinations or even add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking for an elevated flavor profile. Go forth and create some delicious Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They might even taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What kind of nuts work best in Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars?

While pecans and walnuts are classic choices and work wonderfully, feel free to get creative! Almonds, macadamia nuts, or even a mix of your favorite nuts would be delicious additions to your Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars.

My Gooey Butterscotch Nut Bars seem a little too soft. How can I fix this?

This is often due to the “gooey” nature of the recipe! If you prefer a firmer bar, you can try baking them for an extra 5-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center appears more set. Ensure you let them cool completely before cutting, as they will firm up considerably as they cool.