Chocolate Chow Mein Bars: A Sweet & Salty Childhood Throwback

I’ll never forget the first time I saw these bars. My Aunt Carol brought a tray to our annual family picnic, and I remember being completely bewildered. Chocolate and noodles? As a kid, my mind struggled to reconcile the savory with the sweet. But one bite, and I was hooked. The combination of crunchy chow mein, creamy chocolate, and salty peanuts was simply irresistible. These bars aren’t just a treat; they’re a time machine back to those carefree summer days, and I’m thrilled to share this nostalgic recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yields: 16 bars
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 (300 g) package chocolate chips
• 1 (300 g) package butterscotch chips
• 1 – 1 ½ cup chow mein noodles
• 1 – 1 ½ cup peanuts or Smarties candies

Equipment Needed

• Double boiler (or heatproof bowl and saucepan)
• 8×8 inch square pan
• Wax paper

Instructions

1. Prepare your 8×8 inch square pan by lining it with wax paper. This will make it easy to remove the bars later. Ensure the wax paper overhangs the sides for easy lifting.

2. Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a double boiler over simmering water. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of gently simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

3. Stir the chips frequently until they are completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize up. If the chocolate seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of vegetable oil to help smooth it out.

4. Remove the melted chocolate mixture from the heat and immediately add the chow mein noodles and peanuts (or Smarties).

5. Gently fold the noodles and peanuts into the chocolate until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the noodles.

6. Pour the mixture into the wax paper-lined pan.

7. Use a spatula or your fingers to spread the mixture evenly in the pan, gently pressing down to compact it slightly.

8. Let cool completely at room temperature. This usually takes about an hour. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

9. Once the bars are firm, lift them out of the pan using the overhanging wax paper.

10. Cut the bars into 16 squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat, even bars.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Microwave Melting: If you’re short on time, you can melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted. Be extra careful not to overheat the chocolate.
• Nut Butter Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a tablespoon or two of peanut butter to the melted chocolate mixture. This will create a richer, more decadent bar.
• Perfect Cut: For clean, professional-looking cuts, use a warm knife. Dip the knife in hot water and dry it thoroughly before each cut.
• Salt Enhancement: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars before they cool. The salt enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and provides a delightful contrast to the crunchy noodles.
• Preventing Chocolate Seizing: If the chocolate starts to seize (become thick and grainy), try stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil. This can often help restore the smooth texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Chocolate Chow Mein Bars are best served at room temperature. They make a great snack, dessert, or addition to a party platter.

• Serving: Arrange the bars on a platter or in a serving dish. For a more elegant presentation, you can drizzle them with melted white chocolate or sprinkle them with chopped nuts.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Estimated per serving)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	258 kcal	13%
Total Fat	16.5g	25%
Saturated Fat	8.6g	43%
Cholesterol	0mg	0%
Sodium	32.8mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	27.8g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	23.2g	93%
Protein	3.8g	7%

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free: If you have a nut allergy, replace the peanuts with more chow mein noodles or use sunflower seeds instead.
• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet bar.
• White Chocolate: Substitute white chocolate chips for a completely different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the melted chocolate for a subtle spicy kick.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan chocolate chips and ensure your butterscotch chips are vegan-friendly. Some brands are made without dairy. You can also substitute the butterscotch chips with more chocolate chips or a vegan caramel alternative.
• Festive Flavors: During the holidays, add seasonal sprinkles or chopped peppermint candies to the mixture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of noodles?
A: While chow mein noodles provide the traditional crunch, you could experiment with other crispy noodles like rice noodles, but be mindful of the flavor and texture changes.

Q: My chocolate seized up. What can I do?
A: Try stirring in a teaspoon of vegetable shortening or coconut oil to help restore the smooth texture. Avoid overheating the chocolate in the first place by using low heat and stirring frequently.

Q: How do I prevent the bars from being too hard?
A: Make sure not to overcook the chocolate and avoid pressing the mixture too firmly into the pan. A slightly softer set will make for easier cutting and a more pleasant texture.

Q: Can I add other candies besides Smarties?
A: Absolutely! M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, or any small, colorful candies would be a great addition.

Q: How long will these bars last?
A: Stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for up to 3 days at room temperature, a week in the refrigerator, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chow Mein Bars are a delightful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your additions and substitutions, and most importantly, have fun! Whip up a batch of these treats, share them with friends and family, and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear about your own variations and experiences. Perhaps pair them with a cold glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate sweet and salty indulgence.