This recipe is a delightful interpretation of a classic confectionery favorite - the salted nut roll. The harmonious balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, makes this dessert a delightful treat for all occasions. The recipe is simple, with the main star being the peanut butter chips which provide a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the marshmallows and yellow cake mix.
One of the key ingredients in this recipe are the peanut butter chips. These are not the typical chocolate chips found in grocery stores, but instead are peanut-flavored. They are usually stocked next to the chocolate chips in most supermarkets. The other unique ingredient is the yellow cake mix, a pre-made mix that can be found in the baking aisle. This not only simplifies the recipe, but also adds a lovely sweetness to the overall dish.
Ingredients for Salted Nut Roll Bars
Yellow cake mix: This pre-made mix gives the bars their sweet base and simplifies the baking process.
Butter: Adds richness and contributes to a tender crumb in the bars.
Egg: The binding agent that holds the bars together.
Miniature marshmallows: Adds a sweet, gooey texture.
Peanut butter chips: Provides a rich, nutty flavor that's integral to the bars.
Light corn syrup: Gives the bars their sticky, chewy texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Crispy rice cereal: Adds a crunchy texture to contrast with the chewiness of the other ingredients.
Peanuts: Adds crunch and intensifies the nutty flavor.
One reader, Emmaline Rushing says:
These salted nut roll bars are a game-changer! The combination of crunchy peanuts, gooey marshmallows, and creamy peanut butter chips is simply irresistible. The bars are easy to make and perfect for satisfying a sweet and salty craving. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a crowd-pleaser!
Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Salted Nut Roll Bars
How to prepare the crust: Mix the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg together in a bowl, then press the mixture into the prepared baking dish and bake until golden and fragrant.
How to melt the peanut butter chips: In a large saucepan, melt the peanut butter chips, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract together over low heat, stirring until smooth.
How to assemble the bars: Spread the marshmallows over the baked crust, then pour the melted peanut butter mixture over the marshmallows. Cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator until hardened before cutting into squares.
How To Make Salted Nut Roll Bars
Nutty with a variety of textures, these nut roll bars have a light and tender cake base topped with salted peanuts, rice krispies, and marshmallows.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 15¼ozyellow cake mix,(1 package)
- ⅓cupbutter,melted
- 1egg
- 3cupsminiature marshmallows
- 10ozpeanut butter chips,(1 package)
- ⅔cuplight corn syrup
- ¼cupbutter
- 2tspvanilla extract
- 2cupscrispy rice cereal,(such as Rice Krispies®)
- 2cupspeanuts,salted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Stir cake mix, melted butter, and egg together in bowl. Press mixture into prepared baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until golden and fragrant.
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Spread marshmallows over crust and return to oven. Bake for 2 to 3 minutes until marshmallows are melted. Cool completely.
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Melt peanut butter chips, corn syrup, ¼ cup butter, and vanilla extract together in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir crispy rice cereal and peanuts into corn syrup mixture.
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Pour peanut mixture over marshmallows. Cool completely.
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Chill in refrigerator for about 1 hour until hardened. Cut into 1-inch squares.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120.60kcal
- Fat: 6.95g
- Saturated Fat: 2.07g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.45g
- Carbohydrates: 13.13g
- Fiber: 0.75g
- Sugar: 8.21g
- Protein: 2.75g
- Cholesterol: 7.41mg
- Sodium: 59.77mg
- Calcium: 23.54mg
- Potassium: 66.48mg
- Iron: 0.62mg
- Vitamin A: 16.24µg
Expert Tip for Achieving the Ideal Texture
When melting the peanut butter chips, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla extract together, ensure to keep the heat low and stir continuously. This prevents the mixture from burning and maintains a smooth consistency. Additionally, when pressing the cake mix mixture into the baking dish, try using the bottom of a flat cup or glass to create an even layer. This will result in a uniform crust for your salted nut roll bars.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Salted Nut Roll Bars
Prep ahead: Prepare the cake mix and peanut mixture the day before and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of baking.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and measure them out. This will help you work more efficiently and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.
Use a food processor: To quickly crush the peanuts and achieve a uniform texture, use a food processor instead of chopping them by hand.
Bake in batches: If you have multiple baking dishes, consider baking the crusts in batches to save time and utilize your oven space efficiently.
Chill in the freezer: Instead of waiting for the bars to set in the refrigerator, place them in the freezer for a shorter amount of time to speed up the chilling process.
Substitute Ingredients For Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe
yellow cake mix - Substitute with gluten-free yellow cake mix: This substitution is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter for those who are looking for a dairy-free option.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a vegan-friendly substitute for eggs in baking recipes.
miniature marshmallows - Substitute with marshmallow fluff: Marshmallow fluff can be used as a substitute for miniature marshmallows in this recipe.
peanut butter chips - Substitute with chocolate chips: If you prefer a different flavor, chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for peanut butter chips.
light corn syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural substitute for light corn syrup.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free substitute for butter.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract to add a different flavor profile to the recipe.
crispy rice cereal - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes can be used as a substitute for crispy rice cereal to add a different texture to the bars.
peanuts - Substitute with almonds: Almonds can be used as a substitute for peanuts to add a different nutty flavor to the bars.
Presenting Your Homemade Salted Nut Roll Bars
Elevate the plating: When presenting the salted nut roll bars, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use clean lines and precise placement of the bars to showcase the layers and textures of the dessert.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Add a touch of sophistication by incorporating contrasting textures. Consider adding a delicate sprinkle of edible gold leaf or cocoa powder to create a visually striking contrast against the nutty and marshmallow layers.
Garnish with fresh elements: Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh elements such as edible flowers or microgreens. These elements not only add a pop of color but also bring a touch of freshness to the dessert.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose elegant and refined serving ware to complement the upscale presentation. Consider using fine china plates or glass dessert platters to showcase the dessert in a sophisticated manner.
Create a harmonious composition: Pay attention to the overall composition of the presentation. Balance the colors and shapes of the dessert with the surrounding elements on the plate to create a visually harmonious and inviting presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Salted Nut Roll Bars
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting dishes.
- 9x13-inch baking dish: A baking dish used for making bar desserts and casseroles.
- Bowl: Used for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Saucepan: Used for melting and cooking ingredients over low heat.
- Refrigerator: Used for chilling and storing the dessert.
- Knife: Used for cutting the dessert into squares.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Salted Nut Roll Bars
Let the salted nut roll bars cool completely before storing them. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the bars soggy.
Cut the bars into individual servings and place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Separate the layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Store the salted nut roll bars in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cool temperature will help maintain their texture and freshness.
For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months:
- Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing for easy reference.
To thaw frozen salted nut roll bars, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause the bars to become soggy.
Once thawed, consume the bars within 3-4 days for the best texture and flavor. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste experience.
How To Reheat Leftover Salted Nut Roll Bars
- The best way to reheat leftover salted nut roll bars is to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and heat them in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside, but still soft and gooey on the inside.
- Another method is to microwave the bars on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, or until they are warm and slightly melted. However, be careful not to overheat them, as the marshmallows and peanut butter chips can become too melted and lose their texture.
- If you prefer a softer texture, you can wrap the bars in aluminum foil and heat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are warm and soft throughout.
- For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the bars in a toaster oven at 325°F (165°C) for 3-4 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy on the outside.
- If you want to reheat a large batch of bars, you can place them in a large baking dish, cover them with aluminum foil, and heat them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are warm and soft throughout.
Interesting Trivia About Salted Nut Roll Bars
The Salted Nut Roll Bars recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors, making it a perfect treat for those with a sweet tooth. These bars are a great option for a quick and easy dessert, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With the combination of marshmallows, peanut butter chips, and peanuts, these bars offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you're hosting a party or simply craving a delicious snack, these bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, they can be easily stored and enjoyed later, making them a convenient option for any occasion.
Is Making Salted Nut Roll Bars at Home Cost-Effective?
This salted nut roll bars recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as peanuts, butter, and marshmallows, are commonly found in most kitchens. The use of a yellow cake mix also adds to the affordability. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering the simplicity, accessibility, and delightful taste of the bars.
Are Salted Nut Roll Bars Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for salted nut roll bars is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe uses a boxed yellow cake mix, which often contains refined flour, sugar, and unhealthy additives
- It includes a significant amount of butter, which is high in saturated fat
- The peanut butter chips and corn syrup add extra sugar and calories
- The recipe is high in overall calories and fat due to the combination of ingredients
While the recipe does include some potentially beneficial ingredients like peanuts, which provide protein and healthy fats, and crispy rice cereal, which adds some fiber, these are overshadowed by the less healthy components.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the boxed cake mix with a homemade version using whole wheat flour, less sugar, and healthier oil alternatives like coconut oil or applesauce
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe or replace it with a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt or mashed avocado
- Swap the peanut butter chips for natural peanut butter, which has less added sugar and unhealthy fats
- Use a lower sugar alternative to corn syrup, such as honey or maple syrup, or reduce the amount used
- Increase the proportion of peanuts and crispy rice cereal to boost the protein, fiber, and nutrient content of the bars
Editor's Opinion: Thoughts on This Delightful Treat
The salted nut roll bars recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and salty flavors. The use of yellow cake mix as a base provides a tender and buttery foundation, while the marshmallows add a gooey texture. The peanut butter chips and peanuts contribute a rich nuttiness, complemented by the crispy rice cereal for a satisfying crunch. The bars are well-balanced, but I would suggest reducing the sweetness slightly to allow the nutty flavors to shine through. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious treat that is sure to please anyone with a penchant for the classic combination of nuts and sweetness.
Enhance Your Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Salted Nut Roll Bars
Appetizer and Main Course Ideas to Complement Your Salted Nut Roll Bars
Why trust this Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring a classic yellow cake mix base, gooey marshmallows, and a rich, nutty peanut butter topping. The use of crispy rice cereal adds a satisfying crunch, while the addition of peanuts provides a hearty and wholesome element. With its simple yet enticing ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a delectable treat that will surely satisfy any sweet tooth.
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