Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate homemade treat that’s equal parts chewy, nutty, and utterly satisfying, Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are about to become your new obsession. Imagine a golden, buttery base loaded with toasty mixed nuts, hearty oats, and just the right hint of cinnamon—each bite is a joyful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re packing these for a hike, tucking them into a lunchbox, or simply reaching for an afternoon pick-me-up, these bars deliver comfort and crunch in every square. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be finding excuses to bake another batch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars is how accessible the ingredients are, yet each one truly shines. From the rich brown sugar to the medley of nuts, every component adds something special to the final bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Brings rich flavor and that irresistible chewy texture to your bars.
- Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds deep caramel notes and helps keep the bars moist.
- Egg (1 large): Binds everything together and gives structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the nutty flavors and adds warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the backbone for the bar’s chewy bite.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts the bars ever so slightly for a perfect, tender crumb.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, aromatic hint that pairs beautifully with nuts and oats.
- Chopped mixed nuts (1 cup): The star of these bars—use any combination of pecans, walnuts, and almonds for crunch and flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats (1/2 cup): Give the bars heft and delightful chewiness.
- Shredded coconut (1/4 cup, optional): For a subtle tropical sweetness and extra texture, if you like.
- Mini chocolate chips (1/4 cup, optional): Add melty little pockets of chocolate for those who crave a hint of decadence.
How to Make Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light grease. This step makes it a breeze to lift out your Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars once they’re baked—no sticky messes, just perfect squares waiting to be enjoyed.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until everything looks glossy and smooth. This is where that irresistible chewiness begins! Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Each of these dry ingredients plays a crucial role—don’t skip the salt or cinnamon, as they bring out the complexity of all the other flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix! The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for chewy, satisfying bars.
Step 5: Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in the chopped mixed nuts, oats, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the shredded coconut and mini chocolate chips. This is what gives Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars their signature texture and flavor. Every bite should have a little bit of everything!
Step 6: Spread and Bake
Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking—slightly underdone bars are extra chewy and delicious.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off: cooled bars slice cleanly into neat, beautiful squares. Grab a sharp knife, cut into twelve bars, and prepare to fall in love with every bite.
How to Serve Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar always looks charming, but you can also drizzle melted chocolate or a thin glaze over the top for an extra-special finish. If you want to lean into the nutty vibes, scatter a few extra chopped nuts on top right after baking—they’ll stick as the bars cool and make for an irresistible presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars alongside a mug of hot coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, especially sliced apples or pears, for a wholesome snack plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a picnic, or wrap them individually in parchment and twine for grab-and-go snacks. For parties, cut the bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and nuts sprinkled all around—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars keep wonderfully at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days. If you’re stacking them, slip a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly, making them perfect for batch baking. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
If you love that fresh-baked warmth, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate chips get gooey again, and the aroma of toasted nuts and cinnamon fills the air. It’s a little indulgence that tastes like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match your favorites—pecans, walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or even cashews all work beautifully. Just keep the total amount at one cup for the best results.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars use all-purpose flour, so they aren’t gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend if you’d like to make them friendly for gluten-sensitive snackers.
What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?
Wait until the bars are completely cool, then use a sharp knife. For extra neat edges, you can even chill the bars briefly before slicing. Wiping the knife between cuts helps keep things tidy, especially if you’ve added chocolate chips.
Can I make these bars vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and be sure to choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The bars will still have that fantastic chewy, nutty taste and texture.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
Look for a golden top and pull them from the oven when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t wait for it to be completely clean—slightly underbaked bars are the secret to maximum chewiness!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyful about sharing a tray of Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars—each bite delivers nostalgia, comfort, and a little burst of energy. Whether you bake them for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash. Go ahead and give these a try—you might just find your new signature snack!
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Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are a delightful combination of sweet, nutty, and slightly spiced flavors, perfect as a dessert or on-the-go snack. These bars feature a buttery base with a mix of oats, shredded coconut, and a variety of chopped nuts, enhanced by a touch of cinnamon and optional mini chocolate chips. Their chewy texture and rich taste make them a crowd-pleaser that can be easily customized with your preferred nuts.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped mixed nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds)
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and packed brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then add the large egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully combined, ensuring a uniform batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices throughout the flour.
- Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter and maintain chewy texture.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped mixed nuts, old-fashioned oats, shredded coconut, and mini chocolate chips if using. Make sure these are evenly distributed throughout the batter for consistent texture and flavor in every bar.
- Bake the Bars: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars and cut into 12 equal pieces for serving.
Notes
- You can substitute any nut combination you like to tailor the flavor and texture of these bars.
- Store the bars at room temperature in an airtight container for several days to keep them fresh or freeze them for longer storage.
- For an extra chewy and moist texture, bake the bars slightly less time than indicated and keep an eye on them.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
