Description
Delightful Bear Paws are a sweet treat combining smooth caramel, crunchy cashews, and rich dark chocolate to create a luscious candy snack shaped like bear paws with distinctive nut claws.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Mixture
- 1 16 oz. bag Kraft caramel candies
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups salted cashews, chopped
Chocolate Coating
- 16 oz. dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup whole salted cashews, for claws
Instructions
- Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a pot over medium-low heat, slowly melt the caramel candies together with the salt, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract, stirring frequently until smooth.
- Incorporate Cashews: Stir the chopped cashews into the melted caramel mixture until evenly combined, then immediately remove the pot from heat to prevent overcooking.
- Form Bear Paws: Using large tablespoons, dollop the caramel and cashew mixture onto a silicone-lined sheet tray, shaping into mounds resembling bear paws. Allow these to set and cool sufficiently.
- Melt and Temper Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler, tempering the chocolate to a temperature of 88 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit for a smooth and glossy finish.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip each set caramel mound into the tempered chocolate fully coating each piece, then return them to the silicone-lined tray.
- Add Cashew Claws: Press four whole salted cashews into the ends of each chocolate-coated mound to mimic bear claws.
- Set and Serve: Let the chocolate-coated bear paws set completely at room temperature or in a cool environment before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a silicone-lined tray to prevent sticking and ease the removal of caramel pieces.
- Tempering chocolate ensures a shiny finish and prevents chocolate from melting too quickly when handled.
- If a double boiler is not available, melt chocolate carefully in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- For a variation, substitute salted cashews with other nuts like almonds or pecans according to preference.
- Store finished bear paws in an airtight container at room temperature or cooler for up to a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
