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–+ servings
Mixed Nut Bars
flour base topped with crunchy mixed nuts and a rich, buttery butterscotch glaze. The recipe balances sweet and salty flavors, making it a favorite for potlucks, bake sales, and holiday dessert trays. The combination of whole nuts, creamy topping, and a perfectly baked crust delivers a delightful crunch with every bite, capturing the nostalgic essence of traditional home baking.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 bars
Calories 210 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Base:

  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup butter (softened)

For the Topping:

  • 2 cups whole mixed nuts
  • ½ cup white corn syrup
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 6 oz butterscotch chips

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar and flour.
  • Cut in the butter until crumbly and combined.
  • Press mixture evenly into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

  • Scatter the whole mixed nuts evenly over the partially baked crust.
  • In a double boiler, combine white syrup, butter, and water.
  • Heat until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Pour mixture evenly over the nut layer.
  • Sprinkle butterscotch chips across the top.

Step 3: Final Bake

  • Return pan to the oven and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely.
  • Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

Tips

  • Use any combination of nuts you like (walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews all work well).
  • Lightly toast the nuts before adding for deeper flavor.
  • Line the pan with parchment for easier removal and cleaner cuts.
  • Let bars cool completely before cutting to help them set properly.
  • Add a splash of vanilla to the syrup mixture for extra aroma.
  • Substitute part of the white syrup with honey or maple syrup for flavor variation.
  • Sprinkle a small pinch of flaky salt on top to balance sweetness.
  • For firmer bars, bake 2 to 3 minutes longer on the second bake.
  • Chop very large nuts slightly so bars slice more neatly.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 90IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 0.7mg
Keyword brown sugar bars, buttery bars, easy bar cookies, heirloom baking, mixed nut bars, old-fashioned dessert, potluck dessert, vintage recipe
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