Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe

Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite sweet treats: Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe. These delightful little bites are just the right balance of creamy caramel, crunchy salted cashews, and rich dark chocolate – a combo that always wins a place on my dessert table. Whenever I need a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or a cozy night in, these bear paws are my go-to because they’re surprisingly simple to make but feel so fancy.

What makes Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe worth trying is how it hits every sweet spot – the buttery smoothness of caramel, the toasty crunch of cashews, and the luscious chocolate shell all come together to create a treat you won’t forget. Plus, it’s a great recipe to customize and share with friends, making you look like a dessert pro without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe starts with simple, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Each one plays a role in building the rich, nutty, and sweet flavor profile the recipe is loved for.

• Kraft caramel candies: Easy to melt and smooth for that classic soft caramel texture without needing to start from scratch.
• Heavy whipping cream: Adds creaminess and richness, helping the caramel stay soft yet firm enough to hold shape.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out sweetness and adds a subtle depth of flavor to the caramel.
• Salt: A tiny pinch balances the sweetness and highlights the nutty flavors.
• Salted cashews (chopped): Provide the perfect crunchy contrast inside the caramel bites.
• Dark chocolate chips: A slightly bitter chocolate shell cuts through the sweetness, giving balance.
• Whole salted cashews: Used as claws, they add a fun decorative touch and an extra crunch.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you prefer a different nut, want it extra chocolatey, or even need to make a nut-free version, there’s always a way to make these bear paws feel uniquely yours.

• Nut Swap: I’ve tried pecans and almonds instead of cashews, and it works just as beautifully, giving different textures and flavors.
• Chocolate Variety: Play around with milk or white chocolate coatings for a sweeter or creamier finish depending on your craving.
• Add a Sprinkle: For a festive touch, sprinkle sea salt, coconut flakes, or crushed freeze-dried berries on the chocolate before it sets.
• Nut-Free Version: If nuts aren’t your thing, try sunflower seeds or roasted pumpkin seeds for the crunch instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe

Step 1: Melt the Caramel to Perfect Softness

Start by warming your caramel candies over medium-low heat with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. I gently stir until everything is melted and silky smooth without rushing the process—low heat is key here to avoid burning. You’ll know it’s ready when the caramel looks glossy and thick but still pourable.

Step 2: Stir in the Crunchy Cashews

Immediately add the chopped salted cashews to the warm caramel and fold them in until they’re evenly coated. This step is quick because you want to combine before the caramel thickens too much. These nuts provide that irresistible crunch and a little salty pop to every bite.

Step 3: Shape the Bear Paws

Use large tablespoons to dollop the caramel-nut mixture onto a silicone-lined sheet tray. I find using a silicone mat helps them release easily once set. Allow these mounds to cool and firm up a bit before moving on to the chocolate step.

Step 4: Melt and Temper the Chocolate

While your caramel sets, melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler, then temper the chocolate to 88–90°F. Tempering might sound intimidating, but it’s worth it for that glossy finish and satisfying snap. If you don’t have a thermometer, just keep an eye on the chocolate so it’s melted smooth but not too hot.

Step 5: Dip, Decorate, and Set

Dip each caramel mound into the tempered chocolate, then place them back onto the silicone sheet. Before the chocolate hardens, press four whole cashews gently into one end of each piece to create those iconic “bear claws.” This fun detail always elicits smiles from friends and family! Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or pop the tray in the fridge for quicker results.

How to Serve Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it classic with the whole cashew “claws,” but sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or lightly dust with cocoa powder for a bit of extra flair. If it’s a party, crushed pistachios or edible gold leaf add that wow factor without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

These treats pair beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or tea. For a more indulgent spread, I often serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh seasonal berries, which balance out the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun way I’ve showcased these bear paws at celebrations is arranging them on a wooden board with sprigs of fresh mint and edible flowers. Wrapping each treat in parchment paper or tying them with colorful twine gives a charming homemade gift vibe that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bear paws in an airtight container at room temperature if it’s cool, or in the fridge if your kitchen is warm. They keep their texture and flavor well for up to a week, but good luck if you’re trying not to eat them all in one sitting!

Freezing

Yep, they freeze beautifully. I wrap individual pieces in wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. When I thaw them, I let them come to room temperature slowly to avoid condensation on the chocolate coating.

Reheating

Since these are more of a cold set treat, I don’t recommend reheating them. But if your caramel feels too firm after freezing, just let them sit out a while and they soften nicely without losing their chew.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Bear Paws: Caramel and Cashew Treats with Chocolate Coating Recipe enough if you want a silky, crunchy, chocolatey treat that’s not only delicious but also fun to make and share. It’s a recipe that brings me joy every time I make it—from the aroma in the kitchen to watching friends delight in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create something truly special.

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