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

Scale

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)

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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