Crunchy with a mixture of seeds and nuts, and loaded with the tastes of caramel and dark chocolate, these nutty caramel and chocolate squares are a decadent sweet treat. They include toasted nuts like peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, which impart a wonderfully crunchy texture and toasted flavor. While they make a delicious dessert, the nuts and seeds also make it nutritious enough to have as a snack through the day.
To make the nutty caramel and chocolate squares, you first toast the nuts and seeds before pouring them in a baking dish, covering them with the caramel, and setting it in the fridge until set. Then, it gets topped with melted dark chocolate before being placed in the fridge again so the chocolate can set before slicing and serving. These crunchy squares are a perfect replacement to traditional candy bars with the nutritious seeds and nuts, tasty caramel, and decadent chocolate topping.
What are Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Squares?
These nutty caramel and chocolate squares are crunchy squares involving a mixture of seeds and nuts, caramel, and dark chocolate. Each component is layered so that you have a rich chocolate topping and a chewy and crunchy nut, seed, and caramel layer. Toasting the seeds and nuts amplifies their flavors, taking this dessert over the top!
Pro Tips
- Be careful not to burn the seeds and nuts when you toast them. You will know they are toasted when they have a toasty smell and a light golden color.
- Make sure the seeds and nuts you use are still fresh before you begin making this recipe as ones that have been in the pantry for too long may have a rancid smell and flavor.
- Don’t burn the caramel. As the sugar melts, it will turn a light brown color, and at that point, you should add the whipping cream and butter which will stall the cooking process.
- If you or someone you intend to serve the squares to is allergic to a particular seed or nut in this mix, you can omit it and replace it with another of the nut or seed varieties used in this recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Squares Healthy?
While these squares may not be 100% healthy, they do have plenty of nutrition from the nuts and seeds. Both contain healthy fats, protein, and fiber, in addition to some minerals, which can nourish you throughout the day.
Can I Make a Large Batch of Squares and Freeze Them for Later?
Absolutely! If you have any leftovers, you can place them in an airtight container between sheets of parchment paper and freeze them for up to 3 months. Then, you can simply thaw them at room temperature before serving them.
Can I Use Different Nuts in the Squares?
Yes, you could. Feel free to add whatever other nuts you enjoy in this recipe such as pistachios, pecans, or walnuts.
How to Store Nutty Caramel Chocolate Squares
These squares can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
How to Make Nutty Caramel and Chocolate Squares
Toast the peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts in a pan on the stove until golden. Set it aside.
Toast the peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts in a pan on the stove until golden. Set it aside.
In another pan on the stove, toast the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds until golden. Set them aside.
In another pan on the stove, toast the sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds until golden. Set them aside.
For the caramel, melt the sugar in a pan on the stove.
For the caramel, melt the sugar in a pan on the stove.
Whisk in the whipping cream and butter until combined.
Whisk in the whipping cream and butter until combined.
To assemble, pour the nuts and seeds into a 30 x 20 cm baking pan in an even layer.
To assemble, pour the nuts and seeds into a 30 x 20 cm baking pan in an even layer.
Pour the caramel on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Set it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Pour the caramel on top and smooth it out with a spatula. Set it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Pour it over the caramel layer and spread it out in a smooth layer. Allow it to set for 30 minutes.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave. Pour it over the caramel layer and spread it out in a smooth layer. Allow it to set for 30 minutes.
Pipe additional chocolate on top and allow it to set for another 30 minutes.
Pipe additional chocolate on top and allow it to set for another 30 minutes.
Cut it into squares, and serve and enjoy!
Cut it into squares, and serve and enjoy!
;Resize,width=767;)
