Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe

Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite treats: Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe. These little bites are a magical combo of silky caramel, crunchy salted cashews, and rich dark chocolate—plus that cute bear claw finish that always impresses guests. If you love a sweet with a bit of salt and texture contrast, you’ll find these irresistible and perfect for any snack attack or dessert craving.

I usually whip up a batch when friends pop over unexpectedly or when I want a quick, no-fuss way to satisfy that sweet tooth without resorting to store-bought candy. Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe is special because it’s surprisingly simple but feels so decadent, plus you can customize the nuts or chocolate bit. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it over and over!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe may sound straightforward, but each one plays a key role in the flavor and texture that makes this recipe shine. A quick shopping tip: pick good quality caramel candies and salted cashews, since they truly impact the final taste.

• Caramel candies: The base flavor – choose soft, creamy caramels like Kraft to melt easily and taste great.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds richness and smoothness, making the caramel luscious and not too sticky.
• Vanilla extract: Brightens the caramel with warm, floral notes for depth.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors—don’t skip!
• Salted cashews (chopped): Provides that crucial crunch inside the caramel, giving texture and a buttery flavor boost.
• Dark chocolate chips: The glossy, bittersweet coating that seals everything together—pick high-quality chips for best results.
• Whole salted cashews (for claws): These are the adorable “bear claws” pressed into the chocolate, adding extra crunch and charm.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I adore this Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe is how simple it is to tweak. Whether you want to swap in pecans for the cashews or use milk chocolate instead of dark, this recipe rolls with your flavor preferences. Feel free to adjust salt levels or add a pinch of cinnamon in the caramel for a warm twist—there’s no wrong way!

• Nut Variation: I sometimes try chopped almonds or pecans instead of cashews, which adds a new dimension but keeps that crunchy surprise.
• Chocolate Swap: Milk chocolate melts beautifully if you prefer sweeter coatings, just watch your tempering temperature slightly.
• Extra Salt Kick: Want more salt? Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top right after dipping—they taste amazing with that final touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Caramel Mixture Slowly

This is the moment where patience pays off. In a pot over medium-low heat, gently melt the caramel candies along with the heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Don’t rush it with higher heat or you risk burning the caramel and ending with a grainy texture. Stir often until you get a smooth, shiny mixture, then remove from heat before adding the chopped cashews to keep their crunch perfectly intact.

Step 2: Form the Bear Paw Bases

Immediately dollop the caramel and cashew mixture by large tablespoons onto a silicone-lined baking sheet. Work quickly here because the caramel starts to set fast once off the heat. Make sure you leave some space between to dip easily in chocolate later. This is where your bear paw shapes begin!

Step 3: Temper the Chocolate and Dip

Melt the dark chocolate chips using a double boiler, then bring the temperature down to 88-90°F to get that perfect glossy sheen—tempering is key here. Dip each set caramel mound into the chocolate, fully coating the bottom and sides. Gently place them back on the silicone mat to start setting up.

Step 4: Add the Bear Claws

Before the chocolate hardens, press 4 whole salted cashews into one end of each piece—that’s your iconic claw look! This not only makes them adorable but adds a delightful crunch every time you bite into one. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or pop the tray in the fridge for a quicker finish.

How to Serve Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple with these, so I usually just add the four whole cashew “claws” that give each Bear Paw its signature look. Sometimes I sprinkle a few flaky sea salt flakes on top right after dipping for an extra pop of saltiness and a touch of rustic elegance. A drizzle of extra melted chocolate for decoration is fun too if you’re feeling fancy.

Side Dishes

Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a bold black tea—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. They can also round out a dessert board with fresh fruit, a soft cheese like Brie, and crackers for variety and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or gatherings, I like to arrange Bear Paws on a wooden board with small bowls of nuts and caramel sauce for dipping. Wrapping them individually in parchment paper and tying with twine makes charming homemade gifts. I once stacked them in little “paws” towers at a party, which was a big hit visually and taste-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store Bear Paws in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Layering parchment paper between helps keep them from sticking together. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let them sit at room temperature a few minutes—they soften slightly and taste just like fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze extras, wrap each Bear Paw individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, the texture stays intact and they’re ready for an impromptu treat or party.

Reheating

I usually skip reheating altogether to preserve the chocolate’s snap and avoid melting the caramel too much, but if you prefer it softer, just warm a few seconds in the microwave on low power—watch closely! Alternatively, let them naturally soften at room temperature for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making Bear Paws: Chocolate-Covered Salted Cashew Caramel Treats Recipe has become one of my go-to indulgences because it feels like a little celebration in every bite. It’s such a satisfying mix of textures and flavors, and the bear claw detail always makes me smile. I genuinely hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—they’re fun, straightforward, and always a crowd-pleaser. Grab your ingredients, get cozy in the kitchen, and treat yourself to something truly special today!

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