I stumbled across this Rocky Ledge Bars recipe while searching for the ultimate comfort food to satisfy my sweet tooth. Imagine biting into a symphony of gooey caramel, chocolate nuggets, and crispy edges—it’s like finding a treasure trove of flavors in each bite. Whether it’s a rainy day or just a regular Tuesday, these bars are a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for sharing or secretly nibbling in the kitchen corner.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Coat the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until thoroughly combined. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Gently fold in half of the marshmallows, semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate chips, and toffee bits into the dough, ensuring an even distribution.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle the remaining marshmallows, chocolates, and toffee bits over the top to create a decorative layer.
- Bake the bars for approximately 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bars to cool on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 30 minutes to set. Remove them from the pan using the foil overhang, and cut into 20 squares for serving.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or wrap them individually in plastic wrap for freezing.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup miniature marshmallows
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate (chips or coarsely chopped)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup toffee bits
- 1/2 cup white chocolate (chips or coarsely chopped)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 5860kcal | Carbohydrates: 860g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 240g | Saturated Fat: 140g | Cholesterol: 780mg | Sodium: 2900mg | Potassium: 3000mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 580g | Vitamin A: 4200IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 1260mg | Iron: 32mg
FAQ
- What are Rocky Ledge Bars?
- Rocky Ledge Bars, also known as “Crack Bars”, are a type of dessert bar with a brown sugar cookie base, filled with three types of chocolate, marshmallows, and toffee bits. They are known for being gooey, sticky, and incredibly delicious.
- Can I substitute the add-ins in the recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the add-ins. While the recipe uses white, milk, and dark chocolates along with toffee chips and marshmallows, you can use other ingredients like butterscotch chips, M&Ms, coconut, or mini peanut butter cups. Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about 4 and 1/2 cups.
- How should I store Rocky Ledge Bars?
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to make them ahead, they can be prepared a week in advance. For longer storage, wrap them individually and freeze them in a resealable bag.
- Can children help with making these bars?
- Absolutely! Kids can assist by measuring ingredients, mixing in the chocolate and marshmallows, and decorating the top of the bars. It’s a fun and interactive way for them to participate in baking.
- What is the best way to serve Rocky Ledge Bars?
- Once baked, let the bars cool on a wire rack, refrigerate them until set, and then cut them into squares. They make a perfect treat for gatherings and are easy to serve as a hand-held dessert.
Tips
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with various add-ins like butterscotch chips, M&Ms, coconut, or mini peanut butter cups. Just ensure the total amount of add-ins remains at 4 1/2 cups to keep the bars balanced.
- Enhance Presentation: For a more visually appealing result, use a mix of chocolate chips and chunks. Sprinkling half of the add-ins on top of the batter before baking will also enhance the look of the bars.
- Advance Preparation: You can prepare these bars up to a week in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes them a convenient option for events or gatherings.
- Freeze for Later: To store for a longer period, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag in the freezer. This way, you can enjoy them at a later date with minimal effort.
Equipment
- Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment
- 9×13 Baking Pan
- Cake Tester
- Wire Rack
