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Polar Bear Paws: Caramel Peanut Clusters Dipped in Vanilla Almond Bark Recipe


  • Author: Matteo
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x

Description

Polar Bear Paws are delightful caramel peanut clusters coated in smooth vanilla almond bark, combining gooey caramel, crunchy peanuts, and creamy chocolate for a perfect sweet and salty treat. These no-bake candies are easy to make and ideal for sharing during holidays or as a tasty snack.


Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Mixture

  • 1 bag (11 ounces) caramel bits
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups (219 g) dry roasted salted peanuts

Coating

  • 16 ounces vanilla almond bark

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside to use later for placing clusters and coated candies.
  2. Melt Caramel Mixture. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel bits, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
  3. Mix in Peanuts. Stir the dry roasted salted peanuts into the melted caramel until all nuts are evenly coated.
  4. Form Clusters and Chill. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop clusters of the caramel-peanut mixture onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the sheet in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes until the clusters are firm.
  5. Melt Almond Bark. Break the vanilla almond bark into pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the bark is completely melted and smooth.
  6. Dip Clusters in Almond Bark. Remove the chilled clusters in small batches. Using a fork, lift each cluster and gently dip it into the melted almond bark, coating it thoroughly. Use a spoon to help cover the top if necessary.
  7. Place Dipped Clusters on Sheet. Tap the fork on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating, then transfer the dipped cluster onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a toothpick or skewer as needed to slide the cluster off the fork.
  8. Repeat Dipping. Continue dipping remaining clusters until all are coated with almond bark.
  9. Let Candies Set. Allow the dipped candies to set at room temperature until firm, or speed up the process by refrigerating them for 15 to 20 minutes.
  10. Store Properly. Store the Polar Bear Paws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure to microwave in short intervals to prevent burning the caramel and almond bark.
  • Work in small batches when dipping clusters to avoid melting the chilled candy.
  • You can substitute peanuts with other nuts like almonds or cashews according to preference.
  • Store in a cool place to maintain the texture of the almond bark coating.
  • If vanilla almond bark is unavailable, white chocolate coating can be used as an alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Candy
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel peanut clusters, vanilla almond bark, no-bake candy, Polar Bear Paws recipe, sweet and salty snack, holiday treats, easy candy recipe