Easy Honey Cashew Cookie Bars – A Sweet, Gooey Treat Loaded with Buttery Cashews and Rich Caramel

If you're craving a sweet, nutty treat with the perfect balance of chewy and crunchy, these Easy Honey Cashew Cookie Bars are going to be your new favorite indulgence. With a buttery shortbread base and a caramel-like topping filled with roasted cashews and honey, every bite is pure bliss. These bars are the perfect dessert to bring to gatherings, enjoy as a snack, or simply treat yourself when the sweet tooth strikes. They’re also surprisingly simple to make, so you can whip up a batch without spending hours in the kitchen!

Scroll down for the full recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Honey Cashew Cookie Bars

The idea of combining honey and cashews into a rich dessert is nothing short of brilliant. Honey brings a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the buttery flavor of roasted cashews. The gooey caramel-like topping is reminiscent of classic candy bars but with a homemade touch that makes it even better. These bars are all about indulgence—they’re sweet, sticky, and packed with nuts, making them an irresistible treat for both kids and adults.

Why You’ll Love Honey Cashew Cookie Bars

If you’re a fan of rich, caramel desserts, you’re going to love these bars. The shortbread crust provides a buttery foundation that perfectly complements the sweet, sticky topping. The roasted cashews add a delightful crunch and a slight saltiness that balances out the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. These bars are great for sharing at potlucks or parties, but they’re also the kind of treat you’ll want to keep all to yourself. Plus, they’re simple to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Bars):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fiber: 2g

These bars are rich and satisfying on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Honey Cashew Cookie Bars are perfect for serving at room temperature, but you can also warm them up slightly in the microwave for an even gooier experience. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them an ideal treat for a cozy afternoon snack. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle them with melted chocolate or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.

Storage and Reheating Tips

You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.

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Fun Fact: Cashews Aren't Actually Nuts!

Did you know that cashews are technically seeds, not nuts? They grow inside the cashew apple, which is a fruit produced by the cashew tree. The cashew seed is found in a hard shell at the bottom of the apple and is harvested by hand, making cashews a bit more expensive than other nuts. But their rich, buttery flavor makes them worth every penny, especially in these delicious cookie bars!

Cooking Tips

1. Don't Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars during the second round of baking. If you overbake them, the caramel layer can become hard instead of chewy.
2. Use Unsalted Nuts: Since the topping is sweet, using unsalted roasted cashews will help balance the flavors without adding extra saltiness.
3. Customize with Other Nuts: While cashews are the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other nuts like pecans or almonds if you prefer.

Optional Variations

1. Add Chocolate: Drizzle melted chocolate over the bars once they’ve cooled for an extra layer of decadence.
2. Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a bit of flaky sea salt over the top of the bars right before serving for a delicious contrast to the sweet caramel.
3. Mix in Dried Fruit: For a fun twist, add a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the cashew mixture for a burst of fruity flavor.

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Easy Honey Cashew Cookie Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

For the bottom layer:

• 1 cup butter
• 2/3 cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 2 2/3 cups flour

For the top layer:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tbsp whipping cream
• 2 cups chopped unsalted roasted cashew nuts
• 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the bottom layer: In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the flour until fully incorporated. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
3. Bake the crust: Bake the bottom layer for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
4. Prepare the top layer: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, honey, and whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the chopped cashews.
5. Top the crust: Once the crust has baked, pour the cashew mixture over the top, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes. Be careful not to overbake, or the caramel topping may become too hard.
6. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate once the bars have cooled.
7. Cut and serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, cut them into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy the gooey, nutty deliciousness!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Honey Cashew Cookie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the combination of buttery cashews and sweet, sticky caramel. They’re simple to make, but taste like they came from a fancy bakery! Perfect for holiday cookie trays, potlucks, or just treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Dig in and enjoy!