Indulge in Heaven with Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars
Open your senses and let the aromas and flavors of this delicious chocolate butterscotch nut bars recipe enter your world. Let me introduce you to a recipe that will become one of your favorites, a gluten-free treat that will be perfect for any occasion.
It’s a recipe that I have been honing and perfecting over years, and now I pass it on to you. These bars are made with a combination of sweet and nutty flavors, featuring the crunchiness of mixed nuts, the creaminess of chocolate, and the saltiness of butterscotch chips.
One thing that makes this recipe special is that it’s gluten-free, so anyone can enjoy it without worrying about dietary restrictions. You can indulge in these bars with the knowledge that they are both nutritious and delicious.
In this article, I’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to make this mouth-watering dessert. Not only that, but I’ll also give you some tips on variations to make them even more enticing! And if you have any questions about the recipe or substitutions, make sure to check out the FAQ section at the end.
So let’s get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible chocolate butterscotch nut bars!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! I know you’re always on the hunt for that perfect recipe that ticks all the boxes: delicious, easy to make, and not too unhealthy. Look no further, because these Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars will hit every craving you have!
First and foremost, let’s talk about taste. These bars are a delectable blend of chocolate, butterscotch, and mixed nuts – it’s a cozy comfort food with a unique twist. Plus, they’ve got plenty of sweetness from both honey and corn syrup that satisfies any sweet tooth.
But wait, there’s more! You’ll also love this recipe because it’s gluten-free. As someone who’s spent years navigating the complicated realm of gluten-free baking, I understand how difficult it can be to find recipes that are both tasty and gluten-free. Lucky for you, these bars are made with the best gluten-free ingredients out there so you can indulge without worry.
And if you have any other dietary restrictions or preferences? No problem! These bars don’t contain any dairy products so they’re perfect for those who want to avoid lactose or vegans looking for a treat.
Lastly, these bars are easy to make and transport whether for your midday snack break or a potluck party. Just whip up the ingredients together in one bowl and bake away. That means you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen struggling with complicated instructions or ingredients.
Overall, these Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars make satisfying snacks that anyone can enjoy whether they’re looking for an easy bake recipe or trying to watch their diet. Trust me when I say that once you try them, you won’t want any other cookie bars again!
Ingredient List
Let’s get started with the ingredient list for these delicious and healthy Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (cashews, macadamia nuts)
- 1 cup honey roasted peanuts
- 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Note: Make sure to use gluten-free ingredients if you want to make the bars gluten-free.
The Recipe How-To
Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan
First things first, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch (20 x 20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with coconut oil.
Combine the ingredients for the base layer
In a small saucepan over low heat, brown ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Remove from heat and add in 2 cups (200 g) of gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and ⅓ cup (80 ml) of honey. Mix well until all the crumbs are coated.
Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using a flat-bottomed glass to pack it down firmly.
Top with butterscotch nuts and chocolate chips
Sprinkle 1 cup (120 g) of mixed nuts over the base layer, followed by 1 cup (180 g) of butterscotch chips and 1 cup (180 g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Press them down gently into an even layer with your hand or a spoon.
Make the butterscotch layer
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 1/2 cup (113 g) of unsalted butter, 2/3 cup (160 ml) of corn syrup and 1/2 cup (100 g) of brown sugar.
Stir occasionally until everything is melted, bubbly and well combined. Add in 1/2 cup (140 g) of peanut butter, stir to combine until smooth.
Pour this mixture over the nuts/chips layer, spread it out evenly with a spatula or a knife.
Bake and cool completely
Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool slightly before placing in refrigerator to chill for at least an hour, or overnight.
Cut and serve
Remove the bars from the pan by lifting up on the parchment paper, and cut into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature with a glass of almond milk, or keep them refrigerated until ready to devour!
Substitutions and Variations
As a nutritionist cum food blogger, I know that sometimes it can be tricky to find all the ingredients needed for a recipe or maybe you just want to switch things up a bit. That’s why I’m here to provide some substitutions and variations for this Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars (Gluten Free) recipe.
If you’re not a fan of cashews, feel free to swap them out for another nut such as almonds or pecans. Additionally, if you’re allergic to peanuts, switch out the peanut butter for almond butter.
For those who are looking to cut down on sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup. These natural sweeteners can give the bars a more complex flavor profile and add some nutritional benefits.
If you want to make these bars dairy-free, opt for dairy-free chocolate chips instead of regular ones. Coconut oil is a great substitute for butter and provides additional health benefits.
Want to make these bars even healthier? Try adding in some chia seeds or hemp hearts for added protein and fiber.
For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, try adding in some butterscotch or chocolate chips or even macadamia nuts. These will give the bars an added crunch and burst of flavor.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try making these into protein bars by adding your favorite plant-based protein powder? You’ll have a perfect snack to keep you fueled throughout the day.
In conclusion, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make when it comes to this Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars (Gluten Free) recipe. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Let’s talk about serving and pairing these mouthwatering chocolate butterscotch nut bars. Once these delightful gluten-free bars come out of the oven, allow them to cool and then cut into squares – depending on your preference for portion size.
These bars are perfect for a quick grab-and-go breakfast, a mid-day snack or even as a dessert after dinner. Want to take it up a notch? Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice-cream topped with some honeycomb crumbles.
Since these bars are rich and decadent on their own, I recommend serving them with some unsweetened herbal tea or black coffee to balance the sweetness. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors because these bars pair well with almost anything!
If you’re looking for an indulgent pairing, pair it with a glass of red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot – the rich flavors of the chocolate and nuts complement the wines perfectly. Not in the mood for wine? How about some hot apple cider served in your favorite mug? The cinnamon notes in the cider complement the spices in the recipe and make for a lovely pairing.
These chocolate butterscotch nut bars are so versatile that they can also be paired with savory snacks like some crispy kale chips or roasted almonds. Trust me; once you take a bite out of these luscious bars, you won’t stop experimenting with different pairings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made a batch of these delectable chocolate butterscotch nut bars, you might wonder how best to store them for later consumption. Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!
First off, if you want to make these bars ahead of time and store them for later, make sure they have cooled completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat them, take the bars out of the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature before unwrapping. You can also pop them in the microwave for a few seconds on high to warm them up quickly.
If you happen to have leftovers, the bars will remain delicious with proper storage. Make sure that they are still wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing in an airtight container so that they do not dry out.
Another option is to cut the bars into smaller pieces and keep a stash of “bite-sized” snacks on hand as needed. This way, they could be great protein-packed snack options when you’re on-the-go.
Of course, if for some reason (which is hard to fathom) these delightful bars don’t get eaten within five days or frozen within three months, then it would be better to toss them out rather than risk eating something that may have spoiled.
Remember that all of our efforts spent creating such delicious gluten-free chocolate butterscotch nut bars shouldn’t go unappreciated; it’s worth taking good care of our leftovers so we can enjoy each bite just as much!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your gluten-free Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars come out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
First, be sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking to the pan and make it easy to lift them out once they are baked.
Next, when mixing the ingredients together, make sure that the peanut butter and melted butter are fully incorporated before adding any other ingredients. This will ensure that everything is evenly combined and there are no lumps or clumps in the mixture.
When spreading the chocolate and butterscotch chips over top of the bars, use a spatula to press them down lightly into the bar mixture. This will help them adhere to the bars and create a more cohesive finished product.
Another helpful tip is to let the bars cool completely before cutting them into squares. This will allow them to set properly and make it easier to cut clean, even slices.
If you find that your gluten-free Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars are too crumbly or dry, try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture when combining all of the ingredients. This will help bind everything together and create a more moist and chewy texture.
Finally, if you want to switch things up a bit, try using different types of nuts in this recipe such as macadamia nuts or almonds. You can also experiment with different types of chips such as chocolate chip or white chocolate for a fun twist on this classic recipe.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to create delicious and perfectly textured Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars every time!
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, these Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars are the perfect treat for anyone looking for a gluten-free, dairy-free, and organic snack! They are easy to make, loaded with healthy ingredients, and perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re a professional chef or just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress!
I strongly recommend giving these bars a try if you’re looking for something sweet and nutritious. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also provide a healthy dose of protein and nutrients to fuel your day.
So what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen and start whipping up a batch of Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars today! I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Chocolate Butterscotch Nut Bars (Gluten Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups puffed rice cereal (GF, I suggest Envirokidz Organic Koala Crisp Cereal)
- 1 cup butterscotch chips
- 1/2 cup cashews, chopped
- 1 cup nutella
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Mix together the dry ingredients in a bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the nutella, corn syrup and honey over medium low heat until smooth and hot.
- Combine with dry ingredients and press into a greased 9X13 pan.
- Chill in fridge for a half hour, then cut into bars.