If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, the sweetness of caramel, and delightful textures, then look no further than Rolo Dream Bars. These scrumptious bars are a heavenly treat that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging in solo, they are as easy to prepare as they are delicious. With the iconic Rolos as the star ingredient, these dream bars will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Top Reasons to Make Rolo Dream Bars
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Rolo Dream Bars, but here are the top three:
1. Irresistible Flavor Combination: The blend of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy nuts creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bars are perfect for bakers of all levels.
3. Versatile Recipe: You can customize these bars with different nuts or add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredient Checklist
To create these delectable Rolo Dream Bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks), room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (I used King Arthur)
- 2 cups dark brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon unbleached all-purpose flour (I used King Arthur)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs, well-beaten
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, toasted (toasting is optional)
- 1 cup diced nuts: walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, or crisp rice cereal
- 26 Rolos, frozen and unwrapped
Equipment Breakdown
Before you get started, make sure you have the following equipment ready:
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch pan works perfectly for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of different sizes for mixing and combining ingredients.
- Whisk: For blending dry ingredients and beating the eggs.
- Spatula: To spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to ensure even baking.
Cooking Rolo Dream Bars: The Process
Follow these simple steps to create your Rolo Dream Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, salt, and sugars (both granulated and dark brown). Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs
Be sure your eggs are well-beaten, then gradually add them to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until combined.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and the additional tablespoon of flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
Step 6: Fold in Nuts and Coconut
Gently fold in the toasted coconut and diced nuts of your choice. This adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the bars.
Step 7: Add the Rolos
Carefully fold in the frozen, unwrapped Rolos. Their gooey goodness will melt beautifully while the bars bake.
Step 8: Bake the Bars
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (slight moist crumbs are okay).
Step 9: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
Adaptations for Special Diets
If you have specific dietary needs or preferences, here are some adaptations you can consider:
- Dairy-free: Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative.
- Nut-free: Omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
Don’t Do This
When making Rolo Dream Bars, avoid these common pitfalls:
- Don’t skip the freezing step for the Rolos. This helps them retain their shape and prevents them from melting too much into the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you’ve added the flour. This can lead to dense bars instead of the delightful texture you want.
- Don’t rush the cooling process. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges.
Storage Pro Tips
To keep your Rolo Dream Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
- When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.
Helpful Q&A
Can I use other types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, feel free to substitute the Rolos or mix in your favorite chocolate chips for a different flavor experience.
Can I make these bars without eggs?
Yes! You can replace each egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use a commercial egg replacer for a vegan option.
What should I serve with Rolo Dream Bars?
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How can I make these bars even more decadent?
Consider adding a layer of your favorite chocolate ganache on top after baking, or sprinkle some sea salt over the top for a sweet and salty combination.
For the ultimate dessert experience, pair your Rolo Dream Bars with:
The Last Word
When it comes to dessert, Rolo Dream Bars are a delightful option that will impress friends and family alike. Their unique combination of textures and flavors makes them a standout treat that you’ll want to make again and again. The simplicity of the recipe means you can whip them up for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday party, potluck, or just a cozy night at home.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible Rolo Dream Bars. You won’t be disappointed!
Rolo Dream Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly.
- Grease your 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter, salt, and sugars (both granulated and dark brown). Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Be sure your eggs are well-beaten, then gradually add them to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and the additional tablespoon of flour. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted coconut and diced nuts of your choice. This adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the bars.
- Carefully fold in the frozen, unwrapped Rolos. Their gooey goodness will melt beautifully while the bars bake.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (slight moist crumbs are okay).
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Once completely cool, cut them into squares or rectangles for serving.
Notes
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat them in the microwave for a warm treat.
