Caramel Snickerdoodle Bars

Ingredients and Weight:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (14 ounces) caramel candies
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
5. Press half of the dough into the prepared baking pan.
6. In a separate bowl, combine caramel candies, cream cheese, and brown sugar. Spread this mixture over the dough in the pan.
7. Top with remaining dough and sprinkle with chopped nuts, if using.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
9. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g (Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)

Dish Characteristics:

• A sweet and salty combination that is irresistible.
• Caramel and cream cheese create a rich and creamy filling.
• Snickerdoodle-like dough adds a unique texture and flavor.

User Comments:

1. "These bars are amazing! The caramel and cream cheese combination is so good." - John Doe
2. "I love the texture of the dough combined with the caramel filling." - Jane Smith
3. "These bars are perfect for a sweet treat after dinner." - Michael Johnson

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use softened butter and cream cheese for best results.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bars after baking.
• Adjust baking time according to your oven's calibration; check for doneness towards the end of the baking time.