Who wants to make MAN BARS?!

Hi. Let me re-introduce myself. My name is Annie. Here’s what I look like.

I used to blog semi-regularly. I’m back from the dead. Thanks to all of you who’ve showered me with orders these past few months. I’m about to go back into virtual hibernation again in preparation for a huge event for which I’ve been hired to bake all the desserts. But before I do, I want to share with you my TOP SECRET recipe for Man Bars. I’ve been delighted to see how everyone who tries these falls in love with these men. Disclaimer: I did NOT invent these! But I did study, try out, and tweak various recipes for Man Bars. Here is my tried and true recipe. But you have to promise me you’ll still order from me. I’m banking on your sweet tooth not surviving on Man Bars alone. But I don’t know. I think I could.

Without further ado, I introduce to you…MAN BARS.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 14-oz box of graham crackers (1 1/2 sleeves), makes about 2 cups
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup powdered sugar

DIRECTIONS

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.

2. Crush graham crackers. I break them up loosely and then use my Kitchenaide to do the rest of the work once the rest of the ingredients are added to the bowl.

3. Mix graham cracker crumbs, nuts, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, salt, and chocolate chips in a large bowl until it resembles a somewhat chunky batter. I use the Kitchenaide with the paddle attachment (do not use whisk attachment) to do this, but hand mixing is great, too. Just don’t overmix if you’re using an electric mixer.

4. Line an 8X8 square pan with parchment paper. Grease any parts of the pan that are exposed and will be in contact with the batter. Bake for 21 minutes or until set.

5. Cool while still in pan. Remove by pulling up on the parchment paper, and cut into squares, 6 cuts by 6 cuts.

6. Either sift powdered sugar on top of the bars, or toss in a bowl/bag to coat entire bars (I prefer the former).

7. Eat the heavens out of them Man Bars.

NB: Bars freeze beautifully, but can also be stored in in an air-tight container at room temperature.