Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars: A Rich & Nutty Treat

If you love chewy, chocolatey, nut-packed desserts, these Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are the perfect treat! Packed with buttery caramel, crunchy nuts, and a chocolate-infused shortbread base, these bars are decadent, gooey, and utterly irresistible.

Perfect for snacking, holiday baking, or a sweet treat with coffee, these bars combine rich cocoa, toasted nuts, and a buttery texture for the ultimate indulgence.

Why You’ll Love These Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars

✅ Nutty & Chocolatey – A perfect balance of crunchy nuts and smooth chocolate.
✅ Chewy & Buttery – A soft, caramel-like filling with a tender shortbread crust.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together effortlessly!
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for dessert, snacks, or gifting.
✅ Customizable – Use your favorite nuts or add caramel for extra richness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shortbread Base

2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened and divided
1 cup powdered sugar
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt

For the Nutty Caramel Filling

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, or cashews), chopped

Optional Toppings

Flaky sea salt (for a sweet & salty contrast!)
Drizzle of melted chocolate

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 stick of butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until set.
Let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

(💡 Pro Tip: Prick the crust lightly with a fork before baking to prevent air bubbles!)

Step 3: Make the Nutty Caramel Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining stick of butter.
Stir in brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), and heavy cream.
Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped nuts.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake Again

Pour the nutty caramel mixture over the baked crust, spreading evenly.
Return to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Cool, Slice & Serve

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
(Optional) Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.
Enjoy the chewy, chocolatey, nut-packed goodness!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

☕ With Coffee or Espresso – A perfect sweet treat with a strong cup of coffee.
🍦 With Vanilla Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
🍯 With a Drizzle of Honey – Enhance the natural nutty flavor.
🍫 With Extra Chocolate – Dip the bars in melted chocolate for a more decadent version.

Tips for the Best Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars

🔹 Use Fresh, Toasted Nuts – Toasting nuts enhances their crunch and flavor.
🔹 Don’t Overbake – The filling should be set but still slightly gooey.
🔹 Let Them Cool Before Slicing – This prevents them from falling apart.
🔹 Add a Caramel Drizzle – Take the indulgence up a notch!
🔹 Store Properly – Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Fun Variations to Try

🔥 Peanut Butter Nutty Bars – Swap ½ cup of butter for creamy peanut butter.
🌰 Hazelnut Chocolate Bars – Use hazelnuts and drizzle with Nutella.
🍪 Cookie Dough Nut Bars – Add chocolate chips to the shortbread crust.
🥥 Coconut Nutty Bars – Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

Yes! These bars store well and taste even better the next day.

Can I Use Different Nuts?

Absolutely! Mix and match pecans, walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Can I Freeze These Bars?

Yes! Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

What If I Don’t Have Cocoa Powder?

You can omit it, but it adds a rich chocolatey depth to the crust.

How Do I Make These Dairy-Free?

Use coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Final Thoughts

These Chewy Nutty Squirrel Bars are rich, nutty, chocolatey, and utterly addicting! Whether you’re making them for a holiday treat, potluck, or just a sweet snack, they’re easy to make and packed with flavor.

Try this delicious and chewy nut bar recipe today and enjoy a crunchy, caramelized bite in every square!