Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe

The Perfect Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe for Sweet-Salty Bliss

My childhood memories swirl around this delightful salted nut roll bars treat that always brought smiles to our kitchen.

Cousins would gather eagerly when mom pulled out her special recipe card.

Sweet caramel layers mingle perfectly with crunchy peanuts and smooth marshmallow cream.

Nostalgic flavors dance across your taste buds with each delectable bite.

Simplicity marks the magic of these irresistible bars that require minimal ingredients and maximum love.

Quick preparation meets delicious results in this crowd-pleasing dessert.

You’ll fall in love with every single mouthwatering slice that promises pure comfort and joy.

Reasons to Love Salted Nut Roll Bars

  • Craft a Delightful Dessert: Create an indulgent treat that combines sweet and salty flavors in a single, crowd-pleasing bar.
  • Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn an easy recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
  • Impress with Layered Texture: Enjoy a delectable dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker base, nutty middle, gooey caramel, and fluffy marshmallow topping that provides multiple taste sensations in every bite.
  • Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers, these bars cut easily into shareable portions that everyone will love.

Salted Nut Roll Bars Ingredient Essentials

Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the bars.
  • Butter (Melted): Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, smooth crust.
Nut Layer:
  • Salted Peanuts: Adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor to complement the sweet caramel and marshmallow layers.
Caramel Layer:
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures a smooth, glossy caramel with a perfect consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create the caramel's rich flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxurious, creamy caramel texture.
Marshmallow Topping:
  • Marshmallows: Creates a soft, sweet layer with a classic fluffy texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Helps stabilize and sweeten the marshmallow mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting flavor to the marshmallow topping.

How to Prepare Salted Nut Roll Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the edges for easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan, creating a solid foundation for the bars.

Step 3: Sprinkle Nutty Layer

Distribute salted peanuts generously and evenly across the graham cracker crust, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Develop Caramel Magic

In a medium saucepan, blend corn syrup and granulated sugar. Heat over medium temperature, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly.

Step 5: Transform Caramel

Slowly introduce heavy cream into the sugar mixture. Continue stirring until the caramel transforms into a glossy, uniform consistency with a rich golden color.

Step 6: Pour Caramel Foundation

Carefully drizzle the hot caramel over the peanut-covered crust, making sure to cover every inch evenly.

Step 7: Prepare Marshmallow Topping

In a separate bowl, gently combine:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Marshmallows

Fold the ingredients together until you create a light and fragrant mixture.

Step 8: Spread Marshmallow Layer

Use a spatula to distribute the marshmallow mixture uniformly across the caramel layer, creating a smooth and even surface.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for the marshmallows to turn golden brown and become slightly puffy.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for approximately one hour.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert from the pan. Cut into square portions and serve these delectable treats.

Smart Tips for Better Salted Nut Roll Bars

  • Perfect Graham Cracker Base: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, compact foundation that won't crumble when cutting bars.
  • Caramel Consistency Check: Stir sugar and corn syrup constantly to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture without crystallization.
  • Marshmallow Melting Technique: Gently fold powdered sugar into marshmallows to maintain a light, airy texture that browns beautifully without becoming dense.
  • Cooling Crucial Step: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature for clean, precise cuts and optimal texture development.
  • Parchment Paper Pro Tip: Use paper overhang for effortless removal and clean slicing of the entire batch of bars.

Fun Ideas to Tweak Your Salted Nut Roll Bars

  • Chocolate Drizzle Nut Bars: Add melted dark chocolate chips drizzled over the marshmallow layer for rich chocolate lovers.
  • Coconut Crunch Variation: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between the peanut and caramel layers for extra tropical texture.
  • Almond Butterscotch Bars: Replace salted peanuts with sliced almonds and use butterscotch chips in the caramel mixture for a nutty, sweet profile.
  • Praline Marshmallow Crunch: Mix crushed praline pecans into the graham cracker base and top with candied pecan pieces for intense nutty complexity.

Pairing Salted Nut Roll Bars with Other Goodies

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Complementary Pairings
  • Brew Bold Cappuccino: Rich espresso cuts through sweet marshmallow layers, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness with robust coffee notes.
  • Serve Creamy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla complements the warm caramel and salty peanut profile, creating a delightful temperature and taste contrast.
  • Match Amber Craft Beer: Nutty, malty beer enhances the peanut and caramel undertones, providing a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Prepare Salted Caramel Milkshake: Blending similar flavor profiles intensifies the dessert's core ingredients, offering a decadent and indulgent accompaniment that mirrors the bar's rich characteristics.

Salted Nut Roll Bars: How to Store and Keep Fresh

  • Store the Salted Nut Roll Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent marshmallow topping from becoming too soft.
  • Use wax paper or parchment paper between bars when storing to prevent them from sticking together and maintain their original shape and appearance.

Salted Nut Roll Bars: Your Top Questions Answered

  • Can I use unsalted peanuts instead of salted peanuts?

Yes, you can use unsalted peanuts, but you’ll want to add a pinch of salt to maintain the recipe’s signature sweet-salty balance.

  • Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper helps with easy removal and prevents sticking, but you can also grease the pan thoroughly as an alternative.

  • What if my caramel doesn't look smooth?

Keep stirring constantly and cook at medium heat. If it looks grainy, continue heating and stirring until it becomes glossy and uniform.

  • How do I know when the marshmallow topping is done?

Look for a golden brown color and slightly puffy texture. The edges will also start to turn light brown when it’s perfectly baked.

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Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe

Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 38-41 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Nostalgic salted nut roll bars deliver midwest charm with layers of sweet marshmallow, creamy peanut butter, and crunchy peanuts. Classic comfort meets simple indulgence you’ll savor from first delightful bite to last crumbly morsel.


Ingredients

Scale

Nuts and Base:

  • 2 cups salted peanuts
  • 1 cup butter
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Caramel Layer:

  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Marshmallow Topping:

  • 3 cups marshmallows
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to create an even, compact base layer.
  3. Sprinkle salted peanuts evenly over the graham cracker crust, creating a consistent nut layer.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine corn syrup and granulated sugar, heating over medium heat and stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a smooth, bubbling consistency.
  5. Slowly incorporate heavy cream into the sugar mixture, continuing to stir until the caramel becomes glossy and uniform in color.
  6. Carefully pour the hot caramel mixture over the peanut-covered crust, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  7. In a separate bowl, gently fold powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the marshmallows, creating a light, fragrant mixture.
  8. Spread the marshmallow topping evenly across the caramel layer, using a spatula to create a smooth surface.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the marshmallows turn golden brown and slightly puffy.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
  11. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars from the pan and slice into squares for serving.

Notes

  • Prep Ahead: Toast graham cracker crumbs in the oven for 5 minutes before mixing with butter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crispier base.
  • Nut Variation: Swap salted peanuts with roasted almonds or cashews for different flavor profiles and texture experiences.
  • Caramel Control: Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise caramel consistency, preventing burning or undercooking during the sugar heating process.
  • Marshmallow Tip: For extra smoothness, warm marshmallows slightly before mixing with powdered sugar to help them blend more seamlessly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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