Homemade Take 5 Bars
We’re big fans of homemade candy around here. It’s such a great way to enjoy your favorite flavors, without all the extra junk that gets added by the big companies. If you’ve tried our Protein Reese’s Cups or our Vegan Snickers Bars, we know you’re going to love these Homemade Take 5 Bars!
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Don’t let the idea of melting down caramels intimidate you. You’re just going to grab a bag of baking caramels and melt them in the microwave with a bit of water. You’ll just want to work quickly though so it doesn’t harden up on you.
Homemade Take 5 Recipe Tips:
+ This recipe takes a bit of time, but it’s basically just freezing time. Each “layer” takes some time to set, but actually assembling them happens in a matter of minutes. I like to make these while I’m cleaning my house and getting ready for guests. Then serving these up with a cup of coffee or a delicious Salted Caramel Martini.
+ If you prefer milk chocolate over dark chocolate, use that here instead!
+ Getting the peanut butter a little runny makes it so much easier to spread. Microwaving it gets you there pretty quickly, but be sure to keep an eye on it and stir regularly.
Homemade Take 5 Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pretzel sticks
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup salted peanuts
- 11 oz caramels
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 tbsp coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Arrange the pretzel sticks in the bottom of the dish
- If needed, microwave the peanut butter until it becomes a drizzle-able consistency. Pour the peanut butter over the pretzels, spreading in an even layer. Sprinkle with peanuts in an even layer. Freeze until solid, about an hour.
- Add the caramel to a microwave safe bowl with a splash of water. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring each time, until the caramel is a smooth, drizzling consistency. Pour over the hardened peanut layer, spreading in an even layer.
- Return to the refrigerator or freezer and chill again until firm, about an hour.
- Lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish and set the peanut/caramel block on a large cutting board. Use a large, good knife to carefully cut the bars into desired sizes and shapes.
- Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth.
- Use a fork to lower each bar into the melted chocolate, lifting out of the chocolate and letting the excess drip off. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining bars. Freeze until the chocolate is solid, at least 30 minutes.
- Store in the fridge or freezer until ready to enjoy.
