Caramel Walnut Dream Bars

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars Recipe - Delicious Dessert for Any Occasion

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel, walnuts, and toffee in a chewy bar form. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

History

The exact origins of Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a popular dessert choice for many households.

Ingredients

1 box of yellow cake mix
3 tbsp of softened butter
1 egg
14 oz (397 g) of sweetened condensed milk
1 egg
1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
0.5 cup of finely ground walnuts
0.5 cup of finely ground toffee bits

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare a rectangular cake pan by greasing it with cooking spray, then set it aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, butter, and one egg. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Press the mixture onto the bottom of the prepared pan, then set it aside.
In another mixing bowl, combine the milk, remaining egg, extract, walnuts, and toffee bits.
Mix well and pour the mixture over the base in the pan.
Bake for 35 minutes.

Variations

Add chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent the bars from sticking.

- Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough texture.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares to ensure clean cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure the bars come out chewy and delicious.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent them from falling apart.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use a different type of nut or omit the nuts altogether if desired.

- Substitute the toffee bits with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch. - Serve the bars on a platter with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the bars in the microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Caramel Walnut Dream Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Caramel Walnut Dream Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Caramel Walnut Dream Bars contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Caramel Walnut Dream Bars contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are a good source of iron and calcium.

Alergens

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars contain dairy, nuts, and eggs.

Summary

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are a delicious treat that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are a good source of proteins, iron, and calcium, but may not be suitable for those with dairy, nut, or egg allergies.

Summary

Caramel Walnut Dream Bars are a delightful dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With their rich caramel flavor and crunchy walnuts, these bars are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Caramel Walnut Dream Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for our weekly coffee and gossip session. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was hit with the most intoxicating aroma of caramel and walnuts.

Margaret was standing at the counter, carefully measuring out ingredients and stirring a pot of bubbling caramel on the stovetop. She looked up and smiled as she saw me walk in, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I'm making Caramel Walnut Dream Bars," she exclaimed, holding up the recipe card for me to see.

I was immediately intrigued. I had never heard of such a delectable-sounding treat before, and I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Margaret laughed at my eager expression and handed me a pen and paper so I could jot down the recipe.

As she guided me through the steps, explaining each one in detail, I couldn't help but marvel at her expertise in the kitchen. Margaret had always been a fantastic cook, and she had a knack for creating delicious treats that were both simple and indulgent.

After we finished baking the bars and letting them cool, Margaret poured us each a cup of coffee and we sat down at her kitchen table to enjoy our sweet rewards. The bars were absolutely divine – a buttery shortbread crust topped with gooey caramel, crunchy walnuts, and a drizzle of chocolate. Each bite was a heavenly combination of flavors and textures that left me craving more.

I begged Margaret to teach me how to make the bars again, and she happily agreed. Over the next few weeks, we spent countless afternoons in her kitchen, perfecting the recipe and tweaking it to our liking. I learned all of Margaret's tips and tricks for making the perfect caramel, toasting the walnuts just right, and ensuring that the crust was crisp and golden.

As I became more comfortable with the recipe, I started experimenting with different variations. I added a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel for a savory twist, swapped out the walnuts for pecans for a different flavor profile, and even tried drizzling the bars with a caramel glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Each time I made the bars, I couldn't help but think of Margaret and the wonderful memories we had created together in her kitchen. She had not only taught me how to make a delicious treat, but she had also shared her passion for cooking and baking with me, instilling in me a love for creating meals that bring joy to others.

Now, whenever I make Caramel Walnut Dream Bars, I think of Margaret and the special bond we share. The recipe has become a symbol of our friendship and the many hours we spent together, laughing, chatting, and indulging in our culinary creations.

I am forever grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this delectable treat and for passing down her knowledge and love of cooking. The Caramel Walnut Dream Bars will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy that can be found in a simple recipe shared between friends.