Salted Nut Roll Bars
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter, marshmallows, and a delightful crunch, look no further than these incredible Salted Nut Roll Bars. They are a perfect blend of sweet and salty, satisfying every craving you might have. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just as a special dessert at home, these bars are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on creating a batch of these delicious bars!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Salted Nut Roll Bars are the ultimate dessert for any occasion. They offer a satisfying crunch from the peanuts and crisp rice cereal, combined with the soft, gooey texture of melted marshmallows and peanut butter. The unique combination of sweet and salty flavors is what makes these bars irresistible. Whether you’re serving them at a birthday party, a holiday gathering, or just enjoying them at home, they are bound to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch in no time!
Ingredient Notes
- 16 ounces peanut butter sandwich cookies (Nutter Butters) – These cookies serve as the perfect base for your bars, adding a rich peanut butter flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Butter adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 2 cups peanut butter chips – These chips bring a deep peanut butter flavor that is essential to the bars.
- 1 cup light corn syrup – This ingredient provides sweetness and helps to hold everything together.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Used to help melt the peanut butter chips and marshmallows together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a hint of vanilla elevates the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows – These create a gooey texture that is simply delightful.
- 2 cups dry roasted peanuts – They add crunch and saltiness, enhancing the overall taste.
- 2 cups crisp rice cereal (Rice Krispies) – This cereal provides the necessary crunch and lightness to the bars.
Recommended Tools
- 9×13-inch baking dish – A standard size for baking these bars, ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowls – For combining the ingredients efficiently.
- Spatula – Perfect for spreading the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – To melt the peanut butter chips and marshmallows together smoothly.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal of the bars from the baking dish.
Salted Nut Roll Bars — Do This Next
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars once set.
Step 2: Crush the Cookies
Using a food processor or a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin, crush the Nutter Butters into fine crumbs. This will serve as the base for your bars.
Step 3: Combine the Crust Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed Nutter Butters with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are well-coated and resemble wet sand.
Step 4: Press the Mixture into the Dish
Evenly press the cookie mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the spatula or your hands to ensure it’s packed tightly.
Step 5: Melt Peanut Butter Chips and Marshmallows
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the peanut butter chips and 4 tablespoons of butter. Heat gently until melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the miniature marshmallows and mix until they start to soften and melt.
Step 6: Mix in the Peanuts and Cereal
Remove the melted mixture from heat and stir in the dry roasted peanuts and crisp rice cereal until everything is well combined.
Step 7: Spread the Mixture on the Crust
Pour the peanut butter and marshmallow mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Using the spatula, spread it evenly to cover the entire cookie base.
Step 8: Cool and Set
Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, or until set. For quicker results, you can place the dish in the refrigerator.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Once set, remove the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper, if used. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!
Fresh Takes Through the Year
- For a festive touch during the holidays, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before cutting.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor punch.
- Incorporate dried fruit such as cranberries or cherries for a chewy texture.
- Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
What Could Go Wrong
While these Salted Nut Roll Bars are quite straightforward to make, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overheating the Peanut Butter Mixture: Be careful not to overheat the peanut butter chips as they can become grainy.
- Not Pressing the Crust Firmly Enough: If the cookie crust isn’t packed tightly, the bars may crumble when cut.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: If you cut them too early, they won’t hold their shape and will be gooey.
- Using Stale Ingredients: Make sure your marshmallows and peanuts are fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheat Guide
To keep your Salted Nut Roll Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you prefer to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Reader Questions
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Nutter Butters are delicious, feel free to experiment with other cookies like Oreos or graham crackers for a unique flavor.
What can I substitute for peanut butter chips?
If you can’t find peanut butter chips, you can substitute chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the bars are set?
The bars should feel firm to the touch and hold their shape when cut. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for best results.
Can I add more mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional ingredients such as chocolate chunks, seeds, or different nuts to customize your bars to your liking.
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Serve & Enjoy
Once your Salted Nut Roll Bars are ready, gather your friends and family, and enjoy! These bars are perfect for sharing, and their delightful combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone craving more. As you bite into each bar, you’ll experience the rich peanut butter flavor complemented by the crunch of peanuts and the gooeyness of marshmallows. Get ready to make these a regular treat in your home!
Salted Nut Roll Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Crush the Cookies - Crush the Nutter Butters into fine crumbs.
- Step 3: Combine the Crust Ingredients - Mix crushed Nutter Butters with melted butter until well-coated.
- Step 4: Press the Mixture into the Dish - Pack the cookie mixture tightly into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Step 5: Melt Peanut Butter Chips and Marshmallows - Combine peanut butter chips and 4 tablespoons of butter; heat until smooth, then stir in vanilla extract and marshmallows.
- Step 6: Mix in the Peanuts and Cereal - Stir in peanuts and crisp rice cereal until well combined.
- Step 7: Spread the Mixture on the Crust - Pour the mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Step 8: Cool and Set - Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Step 9: Slice and Serve - Remove bars from the dish and slice into squares or rectangles.
Notes
- For a festive touch, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Incorporate dried fruit for added chewiness.
- Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
