Sac Foodies

Cashew Caramel Cracker Bar

December 23, 2009

Everyone loves a good holiday party, but let’s face it – coming up with a fun treat to bring can be stressful.  Consider trying out this dessert for your next party, and be sure to make extras for a tasty treat at home!

Cashew Caramel Cracker Bar

Ingredients

1 ¼ Butter, divided
35-40 Saltine crackers
1 cup Dark brown sugar, firmly packed
1 can (14 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
1 pack (12 oz) Semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup Toasted unsalted cashews, chopped medium-coarse

Directions

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees
• Line 10×13 jelly roll pan (cookie sheet with lip) with aluminum foil, shiny side up, and allow a few inches to hang over on each side
• Pour ¼ cup melted butter on the pan, brush to cover in its entirety
• Arrange crackers side by side, evenly spread, coving the entire bottom of the pan (small gaps are ok)
• In a medium sauce pan, over medium heat, combine remaining 1 cup butter and the brown sugar, bring to a boil and let boil for 2 minutes until mixture forms a thick, syrupy consistency (248 degrees on the candy thermometer)
• Removed from heat and slowly wisk in the sweetened condensed milk until blended
• Pour mixture over crackers
• Bake for 10 minutes – the top will be bubbly and brown
• Remove from oven and scatter chocolate chips over the top; let melt for 5 minutes
• Using the back of a spoon or spatula, spread the chocolate completely over the caramel
• Sprinkle with nuts and gently press in with the back of a clean spoon
• Freeze for 30 minutes
• Remove from freezer and invert pan onto a clean surface (you will lose some nuts but those are good for munching while you finish your baking!)
• Peel back the foil on the underside of the crackers
• With a sharp knife, cut along the cracker outline, which should be fairly easy as they begin to thaw
• Arrange and let thaw completely before serving
• Oh, and enjoy!

By Vanessa Smith

Entry Filed under: Recipes,Sacramento,Snacks. Tags: Cashew Caramel Cracker Bar, Cashews, cookies, dessert, holiday recipes, Holidays, nuts, Recipes, Saltine Crackers.