Hello! I’m Jamie from My Baking Addiction, filling in today for the lovely and talented Amanda. I’ve forever been a lover of all things I Am Baker, so I couldn’t resist Amanda’s invitation to guest post. From a brand new cookbook deal to a charming site redesign – Amanda’s on top of her game and I couldn’t be more honored to fill in for her today!
In case ya haven’t figured it out by now, Amanda makes cakes. And not just any cakes – gorgeous, creative, delicious cakes that leave people in awe of her talent. Yup – I’m kinda obsessed with her creations! With that being said, there was no way that I was making a cake to share with you. If you can believe it, that thought actually crossed my mind until I got a grip on reality! Instead, I’m sharing a recipe for Caramel-Cashew Bars.
I’m kind of a sucker for those holiday baking displays in the middle of the grocery store. Come on, I can’t be the only one sucked in by the canned pumpkin pyramids! On my most recent trip, I ended up with 3 bags of cashews, 2 bags of mini marshmallows, and too many cans of pumpkin to count. Some may call it a bit of an obsession, I like to refer to it as preparedness – ya know, stocking up for Winter – kinda like a squirrel, except this nut is obsessed with cans of pumpkins!
With all these sweet holiday confections overflowing my pantry, I knew I had to find a recipe to put everything to good use. These Caramel-Cashew Bars start with a buttery foundation of crushed shortbread cookies, then topped with a sprinkling of miniature marshmallows and a layer of sweet, gooey caramel.
I’m pretty sure these guys will be a superstar on any holiday dessert table you decide to offer them up on. Different enough to be memorable among the pumpkin pies and Christmas log cakes, but familiar enough to be comforting and perfect with a generous cup of hot cocoa. I hope you love them as much as I love Amanda for letting me hang out here today.
Caramel-Cashew Bars
Ingredients
3 cups finely crushed shortbread cookies (I used 32 Keebler Sandies Simply Shortbread Cookies)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
36 caramels, unwrapped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups chopped salted cashews
2 cups miniature marshmallows
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 13x9x2 inch baking pan with foil – be sure to extend the foil a little over the edges. Spray foil with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine cookie crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan creating an even layer of crust. Bake crust in preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it starts to lightly brown around the edges. Remove pan to cooling rack.
3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt caramels and cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and cashews. Sprinkle the marshmallows evenly over prepared crust. Spread the caramel-cashew mixture over the marshmallows as evenly as possible.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is set. Remove to wire rack and cool completely.
5. Once bars are cool, use the foil overhang to remove the bars from the pan and cut into squares.
Notes
-Bars can be stored arranged in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
-Recipe slightly adapted from Better Homes and Gardens
About Jamie
Jamie Lothridge is hopelessly addicted to sugar, sprinkles, and Top Chef. She started her blog as a way to justify having copious amounts of each in her life.
When she’s not in front of her stand mixer, or behind her camera, she can be found teaching middle school, hanging with her fiance, or watching the Food Network.
You can follow Jamie on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for her recipes, random thoughts and latest addictions.
Great guest post! This looks amazing, Jamie!
I couldnt agree more… Jamie is so talented!
Looks delicious! But is there a print button on the page? Am I missing it? Help please!
Sorry! Just fixed it… should work for you now!
Thanks! Love your site–so pretty and delicious!
Oh those look so good!
Oh my, these looking so yummy!!!
Carsedra of:
http://sweets4yourtooth.blogspot.com/
So fun to see Jamie over here. These look insane!
And Amanda, it is always such a pleasure to visit your pretty new site! Have a great weekend. xox
Thanks you! Right back at you!
these look really delicious. great guest post
Misbah/cupcakeluv
Loving this post Jamie…the bars look amazing!!
Could she BE any more talented???
Could I leave out the marshmallow? Would it stay together?
I will have to ask Jamie-I am sure she will know the best answer!!, but as far as I can tell they are not essential to the recipe for functionality. It seems like they are important in terms of texture… so it might be worth the time in finding a suitable to you replacement. Happy Baking!
These look so delicious.
TYFS
These look incredibly delicious!! I’m a huge cashew lover!!
meeeeeeeee too. Its my favorite “office” gift of the Holidays! Hubby usually brings home tins of them. I cant wait!
First of all, Amanda, I keep meaning to tell you I am in LOVE with the new site design. It’s gorgeous and just so – YOU!
Jamie, these bars are out of control and I totally want to eat one for breakfast. But I won’t. Because I don’t have any cashews.
Love you both!
Thank you so much!!! Off to stalk your blog now. Its my happy place.
These look just fantastic. I love the sweet and salty combination.
You don’t always see cashews in baked goods, and I love these nuts and caramel! Thanks for sharing these decadent bars!
amanda, i love the new site.. its so beautiful!!! thanks for all you do to inspire young bakers like me! have a great weekend!
this is a great guest post… i love both of your blogs! i’ve never thought of pairing a nut like cashew with caramel but i know it would be amazing! can’t wait to try these! thanks jamie
MMMmmm my dad would love these!
Perfect dessert to make when I see him for thanksgiving!
WOW!! i love the new website!! It looks amazing!!!!
Megan
Cashews are one nut that I absolutely love. These look great!
These look delicious.Definitely added to my list of things to make !
I love how gooey and sticky these look – - mmmm and the cashews, perfect!
Such a cute blog!
Jamie – I’m also a holiday hoarder. I know you can get pumpkin puree all year long, but for some reason, around the first of October, I buy STASHES of it like there’s a shortage. And then I wonder why all I bake from October – January is pumpkin-themed.
These look perfect. Cashews, marshmallows, cookies…wow! Amazing!
I may have a slight addiction to cashews, and caramel so these are like gold to me.
Wonderful guest post Jen and those bars looks delicious. Those holiday baking displays always make me stop and sometimes over purchase too!
caramel, cashews, heaven. Great recipe Jamie, thanks Amanda!
These looked so good, I just had to check out her site! Just what I need……………….another fantastic site to drool over. Congrats, Jamie you did a great job, guest hosting
These look really good!
They look amazing!! But did not see the recipe on the site.
Oh Jamie these look amazing! Would be perfect with my morning cup of tea
Such gorgeous photos! As always…
These bars look delicious! Gorgeous photos!
Oh, I just love when my favorite blogs collide… And, these bars are the perfect result! Looks amazing!
caramel and cookie in the same place – this is getting bookmarked, for sure!
I made these for Thankgiving and they were a hit! Thank you!