Salted Nut Roll Bars Recipe Easy and Perfect Dessert

Imagine the heavenly aroma of roasted peanuts mingling with the sweet scent of caramel wafting through your kitchen. These Salted Nut Roll Bars are everything you love about the classic candy bar, but in a dangerously easy-to-make dessert form. The first time I made these, I couldn’t believe how simple they were to pull together—and let me tell you, they vanished faster than I could snap a photo! They’re the kind of treat that makes you stop mid-bite, close your eyes, and savor the perfect balance of sweet and salty. My kids couldn’t stop sneaking bites while I wasn’t looking, and honestly, I can’t blame them. You’re going to want to bookmark this recipe because it’s pure nostalgia wrapped up in every single bite.

Whether you’re making them for a potluck, a cozy family gathering, or just because your sweet tooth demands it, these bars will become a staple in your dessert rotation. Trust me, these Salted Nut Roll Bars are the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug from a childhood memory. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again. Plus, they’re perfect for gifting—just wrap them up, and you’ve got a homemade treat that everyone will rave about. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: These bars come together in around 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy days or last-minute dessert needs.
• Simple Ingredients: No fancy shopping required—most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to find at any grocery store.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday party, a bake sale, or just a cozy night at home, these bars fit the bill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
• Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of gooey marshmallow, crunchy peanuts, and creamy caramel is pure dessert magic.

What sets this recipe apart is the perfectly balanced sweet and salty profile, and the texture—soft, chewy, and just a little crunchy. Plus, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. These bars aren’t just good—they’re the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe after just one bite. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, you’re going to love how foolproof and fun this dessert is to make.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Most of these are pantry staples, so you don’t need a special grocery trip!

• Unsalted butter: Softened for creating the perfect base layer.
• Light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and helps bind the layers together.
• Granulated sugar: To sweeten the base layer.
• Marshmallows: Mini marshmallows work best for melting evenly.
• Peanut butter chips: These add creaminess and complement the peanuts beautifully.
• Roasted salted peanuts: The star of the recipe—provides crunch and that iconic salty edge.
• Crispy rice cereal: Adds a light and airy crunch to the bars.
• Caramel squares: Melted for the gooey topping.
• Heavy cream: To make the caramel smoother and pourable.

If you need substitutions, you can swap peanut butter chips for white chocolate chips or use dairy-free caramel for a vegan-friendly version. The crispy rice cereal is essential for the texture, but you can use puffed quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these Salted Nut Roll Bars, but here’s a quick list:

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for shaping the bars.
• Parchment paper: Makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Microwave-safe bowls: For melting caramel and marshmallows.
• Rubber spatula: Helps spread the layers evenly.
• Medium saucepan: For melting butter and sugar.

If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the caramel over a double boiler. For spreading the layers evenly, a flat-bottomed measuring cup works wonderfully!

Preparation Method

1. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1/4 cup of light corn syrup and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until dissolved. Remove from heat.
3. Add 3 cups of crispy rice cereal to the saucepan and mix until fully coated. Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish to create the base layer.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 bag (10 oz) of mini marshmallows and 1 cup of peanut butter chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
5. Pour the melted marshmallow mixture evenly over the cereal layer. Sprinkle 2 cups of roasted salted peanuts over the marshmallow layer, pressing lightly to adhere.
6. In another microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 bag (11 oz) of caramel squares with 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
7. Pour the caramel mixture over the peanut layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
8. Let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set completely.
9. Remove the bars from the dish using the parchment overhang and cut into squares or rectangles. Serve and enjoy!

Pro tip: If your caramel is too thick to pour, heat it for an additional 10 seconds in the microwave and stir well.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some tried-and-true tips for making these bars:

• Press the cereal layer firmly: This ensures it holds together when cutting the bars.
• Don’t overheat the marshmallows: They can become sticky and difficult to spread if overheated.
• Work quickly: Once the marshmallows are melted, spread them immediately before they set.
• Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the bars helps firm up the layers for clean cuts.
• Use a sharp knife: For neat slices, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.

Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—these bars are meant to be a little rustic and fun!

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap crispy rice cereal with puffed quinoa or gluten-free cereal.
• Vegan-Friendly: Use dairy-free caramel and plant-based butter.
• Seasonal Twist: Add crushed peppermint candies for a holiday vibe or drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra decadence.
• Nut-Free: Substitute roasted peanuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

One personal favorite? Adding a dash of sea salt flakes on top for an extra pop of salty goodness. Try it—you won’t regret it!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Salted Nut Roll Bars are best served at room temperature. Arrange them on a platter or dessert tray for a polished presentation. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—it’s the perfect combo!

To store, place the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

When reheating, avoid the microwave—it can make the caramel too soft. Instead, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 210
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g

The peanuts in this recipe are a great source of healthy fats and protein, making these bars a more satisfying treat. Just a heads-up—this recipe contains peanuts and dairy, so it’s not suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients. If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use sugar-free caramel and marshmallows to lighten things up.

Conclusion

These Salted Nut Roll Bars are the kind of dessert that brings people together. With their irresistible sweet and salty combo, simple ingredients, and nostalgic flavors, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re customizing them for a special occasion or sticking to the classic recipe, you can’t go wrong with a batch of these bars.

I love this recipe because it’s easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and reminds me of the candy bars I used to enjoy as a kid. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own—drop a comment below or share your variations! Happy baking, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family!

FAQs

Can I use unsalted peanuts?

Yes, but you may want to sprinkle a little sea salt on top to maintain the sweet and salty balance.

What’s the best way to melt caramel?

The microwave is quickest, but you can also use a double boiler for a slower, more controlled melting process.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge or freezer, so you can make them up to a week in advance.

What can I substitute for corn syrup?

Honey or maple syrup are good alternatives, though they will slightly alter the flavor.

Do I need to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes removal and cleanup much easier, but you can grease the pan thoroughly if you don’t have any.

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