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turn-me-loose cookie bars

(1 rating)
methodmaven avatar
Recipe by
Tam D
@methodmaven
The Dalles, OR

I needed chewy, chocolatey deliciousness. So I scrounged around in the pantry... This is what I came up with :D

(1 rating)
yield 20 -30 squares
prep time 20 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For turn-me-loose cookie bars

  • BATTER
  • 1 pkg
    blondie mix (i used gluten free namaste brand)
  • 3
    eggs
  • 3/4 c
    vegetable oil (i used half coconut oil)
  • 1/2 c
    milk (rice, soy -- i used coconut)
  • 1 c
    semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2/3 c
    raisins or dates (i used raisins)
  • FILLING
  • 2/3 c
    pecan halves and pieces
  • 1 c
    caramel topping -- the thick, rich kind
  • 3/4 c
    natural style nut butter (i used almond butter)
  • 1 tsp
    kosher salt
  • 1 c
    semi-sweet chocolate chips

How To Make turn-me-loose cookie bars

  • 1
    Toast the pecans, dark, without scorching. I just put them on a tray in the toaster oven -- but don't forget they're in there!
  • 2
    Prepare your baking dish with food release spray. I used a deep 9" square silicone, but you could also use a regular 11x7". Set aside.
  • 3
    Follow the directions for your blondie mix, enough for a 13x9" pan. Mine called for the eggs, oil, and water (I subbed milk) which I listed above. I beat everything together with a mixer, then stirred in the raisins and chocolate chips.
  • 4
    Spread half the batter into your baking dish. Bake 10 minutes at 350*.
  • 5
    While the batter is in the oven, put caramel sauce, nut butter, and kosher salt in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until bubbly. Stir to combine.
  • 6
    After 1o minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Distribute the toasted pecans over the partially cooked batter. Then the caramel sauce mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cup of chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
  • 7
    Finally, carefully spoon the remaining batter over the top, covering the entire surface as thoroughly as you can.
  • 8
    Return the pan to the oven, and bake 30-40 minutes more. The time will vary depending on the pan you use. When it's ready to come out it will be golden brown and set, but not too soft and gooey in the middle -- like brownies.
  • 9
    Cool completely. Cut and serve.
  • 10
    NOTES: 1) This could easily be made in a 10" springform-type pan and served as a layered torte -- as elegant or as homey as you like. 2) Caramel sauce can be homemade by using about half a bag of caramels melted in the microwave with about 1/4 c. of rich milk (I don't remember how much that makes -- you may need to double to have enough for the recipe).
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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