An Anniversary Recipe: Caramel Cashew Bars

by Elizabeth on June 11, 2013 · 12 comments

in desserts, love, recipes

A year ago today, I arranged the emergency phone call situation with my best friend because I had a blind date with a guy I met on a dating site.  Since it’s the internet and anyone can be an ax murderer, we thought it best that someone know where I was and who I was with in case my body turned up somewhere.

Per our bad date protocol, she called me when she hadn’t heard from me in a couple of hours.  I didn’t answer but texted her I was still out and would call on the way home.  Several hours later, I finally did call, and well, you know the rest. 🙂

So, yes, today is The Carpenter and my one year anniversary.  Not such a big deal to most, but when you’ve never made it to this point with anyone else, it’s a really big deal.

The Carpenter

The Carpenter likes pretty much everything I cook.  Being a guy, he gets excited when I cook beef, and extra excited if I’m searing a steak in my cast iron skillet.  Some roasted veggies (broccoli is a particular favorite) and some homemade bread and he’s a happy camper.  If I throw in a dessert, like say these caramel cashew bars…well I’d probably have a boyfriend in a food coma of happiness.

These bars are super quick; start to finish (including cooling) they only take about an hour.  You could probably substitute a lot of homemade ingredients, but that would take extra time, and I just don’t always have time for that.  This is a great quick dessert that pleases kids, adults, and hungry boyfriends alike.

Caramel Cashew Barscaramel cashew bars
Print this recipe!

1 roll chocolate chip cookie dough
1/2 tablespoon butter
2 cups milk chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups caramel dip or ice cream topping
3 cups crispy rice cereal
1 1/4 cup cashews (I buy the halves and pieces)

Preheat oven to 350°.  Grease a 9×13 pan.  Using greased or floured fingers, press the roll of cookie dough evenly over the bottom of the pan.  Bake for 15-18 minutes.  Cool in pan, on a wire rack, for 15 minutes.

While the cookie crust is cooling, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add 1 cup chocolate chips and 3/4 cup caramel.  Stir constantly until melted and smooth.  Remove from heat and stir in cereal and cashews.  Spread evenly over the crust.  Melt remaining chocolate chips and caramel in the saucepan over medium heat.  Drizzle over the top, tilting the pan and spreading it out to cover the best you can.   Chill 30 minutes before cutting into bars.

-Adapted from Pillsbury

caramel cashew bars

This post is linked to Tasteful Tuesdays, Tasty Tuesdays, A-Zebra Celebrations, and Tasty Tuesdays

{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Molly June 11, 2013 at 4:04 pm

Congratulations? Those bars look yummy.

Reply

2 Molly June 11, 2013 at 4:05 pm

Ok just realized I hit the wrong key on the ipad. I meant
CONGRATULATIONS!!

Reply

3 Elizabeth June 11, 2013 at 4:27 pm

LOL thanks!!

Reply

4 Allison S. June 11, 2013 at 7:47 pm

Happy Anniversary!

Reply

5 Elizabeth June 12, 2013 at 8:03 am

Thanks!

Reply

6 Amber June 12, 2013 at 9:01 am

How did I miss this yesterday!? HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Y’all are too cute. This is the first time I’ve seen his face (umm… I’m going to need to meet him, btw!!) and you did good, girl! 😉

Reply

7 Elizabeth June 12, 2013 at 11:39 am

Thank you…I like to think so. 😉

Reply

8 Julie @ This Gal Cooks June 12, 2013 at 9:22 am

These look good! Thanks for sharing the recipe! 🙂

Reply

9 Anyonita June 12, 2013 at 5:30 pm

Happy anniversary! These bars look like a perfect way to celebrate an anniversary to me! 🙂 I folowed you here from the link party with Nap-Time Creations. Also, I’d like to invite you to come link up with me at my link party! I’d love it if you could stop by & link up some of your recipes! Here’s the link: http://anyonitanibbles.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/tasty-tuesdays-14-plus-16-dad-approved-fathers-day-recipes.html

Reply

10 Elizabeth June 13, 2013 at 8:31 am

Thanks!! And I linked up to your party as well. 🙂

Reply

11 Anyonita June 17, 2013 at 5:18 pm

🙂 Thank you so much for linking up with me this week at Tasty Tuesdays! I’ve pinned this & shared it with my followers!

Reply

12 Jess @HungryHarps June 18, 2013 at 12:37 am

Yay, Happy Anniversary!! These bars look uh-mazing, I am going to have to make them very, very soon. Pinning right now. 🙂 Thank you for linking up at Tasty Tuesdays!

Reply

Leave a Comment

Notify via Email Only if someone replies to My Comment

Previous post:

Next post: