Description
These easy Salted Nut Roll Caramel Peanut Bars are a no-bake treat combining a chewy nougat base with a sticky caramel layer and crunchy roasted peanuts. They are ideal for quick desserts, lunchboxes, or a crowd-pleasing snack, coming together with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (113 g)
- 4 cups mini marshmallows (280 g)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (250 g)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (360 g)
- 14 ounces soft caramel candies (400 g, roughly 48 individual candies)
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (15–30 ml)
- 2 cups roasted salted peanuts (280 g)
- 0.25 cup chocolate chips (40 g, optional for drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter to ensure easy release.
- Make Nougat Base: In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the 0.5 cup butter, 4 cups marshmallows, and 1 cup peanut butter over very low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and immediately stir in the 3 cups powdered sugar until a thick, pliable, slightly sticky dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan.
- Add Caramel Layer: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the 14 ounces caramel candies and 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, stirring well after each interval, until the caramel is smooth and pourable. Pour this warm caramel evenly over the nougat base.
- Top with Peanuts: Generously sprinkle the 2 cups roasted salted peanuts over the warm caramel layer, ensuring good coverage. Gently press the peanuts down with a spatula or your fingers to help them adhere firmly.
- Chill and Cut: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1-2 hours, or until the bars are firm enough to cut cleanly and hold their shape. Once firm, use a sharp, warm knife to slice them into squares or bars of your desired size.
Notes
To avoid stiff nougat, do not overheat the marshmallow mixture; if cooked too long, it can become difficult to work with. Ensure your caramels are fully melted and lump-free for a smooth, even caramel layer. For a gooier texture, reduce chilling time to just 30 minutes. Consider substituting sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version, or sugar-free ingredients for a lower sugar option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx 50 g)
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: salted nut roll, caramel peanut bars, no-bake, easy dessert, chewy, sticky, crunchy, peanut butter, marshmallows, sweet and salty, quick snack