Polar Bear Paws Recipe

Introduction

Polar Bear Paws are delightful clusters of caramel, peanuts, and creamy vanilla coating that make a perfect sweet and salty treat. These easy-to-make candies are fun to prepare and great for sharing during the holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits, butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes total.
3. Step 3: Stir in the dry roasted peanuts until they are evenly coated with the caramel mixture.
4. Step 4: Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop clusters of the caramel-peanut mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for 30 minutes until the clusters are firm.
5. Step 5: Break the vanilla almond bark into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Remove the chilled caramel-peanut clusters from the refrigerator in small batches to prevent softening. Using a fork, lift each cluster and gently dip it into the melted almond bark. Use a spoon to help coat the top if necessary.
7. Step 7: Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating. Place the coated cluster back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a toothpick or skewer to slide the candy off the fork if it sticks.
8. Step 8: Repeat the dipping process with all remaining clusters.
9. Step 9: Let the candies set at room temperature until fully firm, or refrigerate the baking sheet for 15 to 20 minutes to speed up the setting process.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, substitute peanuts with pretzel pieces or toasted coconut flakes.
• Use dark or milk chocolate almond bark in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
• Chilling the clusters before dipping helps maintain their shape and prevents melting.
• If almond bark thickens during dipping, warm it slightly in the microwave for smoother coating.

Storage

Store Polar Bear Paws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For a firmer texture, refrigerate them. Allow refrigerated candies to come to room temperature briefly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Polar Bear Paws ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them a day or two in advance. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the caramel from hardening too much.

What if I don’t have almond bark? Can I use regular chocolate?

You can use regular chocolate chips or bars, but you may need to add a small amount of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help thin the chocolate for easier dipping and a smooth coating.

Polar Bear Paws Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

Polar Bear Paws are delightful homemade candies featuring crunchy roasted peanuts coated in smooth caramel, then dipped in creamy vanilla almond bark. These sweet clusters offer a perfect balance of nutty texture and rich caramel flavor, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 clusters 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramel Peanut Clusters

• 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 be ready for the clusters.
2. Melt caramel mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel bits, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth, approximately 1 to 2 minutes total.
3. Mix in peanuts: Stir the dry roasted salted peanuts into the melted caramel mixture until they are evenly coated with caramel.
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 baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the clusters for 30 minutes or until firm.
5. Melt almond bark: Break the vanilla almond bark into pieces and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the almond bark is fully melted and smooth.
6. Dip clusters into almond bark: Remove the chilled caramel-peanut clusters from the refrigerator in small batches to prevent softening. Using a fork, lift each cluster and gently dip it into the melted almond bark, coating all sides. Use a spoon if needed to cover the top of the cluster completely.
7. Place coated clusters back on sheet: Tap the fork gently on the edge of the bowl to remove excess coating, then place the dipped candy back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Use a toothpick or skewer to slide the candy off the fork if it sticks. Repeat for remaining clusters.
8. Set the candies: Allow the coated candies to set at room temperature until fully firm. For faster setting, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.
9. Storage: Store Polar Bear Paws in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Refrigerate if you prefer a firmer texture.

Notes

• Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
• Melting in 30-second intervals helps avoid overheating the caramel and almond bark.
• Work in small batches when dipping clusters to prevent melting or softening of candies.
• For a crunchier texture, you can toast the peanuts lightly before mixing.
• Store candies airtight to maintain freshness and texture.

Keywords: Polar Bear Paws, caramel peanut clusters, vanilla almond bark, homemade candy, caramel candy, nut clusters