Grand Slam Desserts: Home Run Recipes Featuring Babe Ruth Candy Bars
Babe Ruth candy bars, with their irresistible combination of peanuts, caramel, and nougat covered in rich chocolate, are a beloved treat on their own. But did you know they can also be the star ingredient in a variety of decadent desserts? If you’re looking to elevate your baking game and impress your friends and family, look no further! This article is packed with creative and delicious recipes that transform the classic Babe Ruth bar into unforgettable culinary masterpieces.
Why Bake with Babe Ruth Bars?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk about why Babe Ruth bars are perfect for baking.
* **Flavor Profile:** The unique combination of peanuts, caramel, nougat, and chocolate creates a symphony of flavors that adds depth and complexity to any dessert.
* **Texture:** The chewy caramel, crunchy peanuts, and smooth nougat provide a delightful textural contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
* **Convenience:** Babe Ruth bars are readily available in most grocery stores, making them a convenient and accessible ingredient.
* **Nostalgia:** The iconic Babe Ruth candy bar evokes feelings of nostalgia and childhood, adding a touch of comfort and familiarity to your creations.
Recipe 1: Babe Ruth Brownies
These brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with the irresistible flavor of Babe Ruth bars. They’re perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 4 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 6 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Melt Butter:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. **Stir in Babe Ruth Bars:** Fold in the chopped Babe Ruth bars.
7. **Bake:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
8. **Cool and Cut:** Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra fudgy brownies, use slightly less flour.
* Add a tablespoon of instant coffee powder to the batter for a richer chocolate flavor.
* Top the brownies with a chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of sea salt.
* Use different sizes of Babe Ruth bars depending on your preference for chunkiness.
Recipe 2: Babe Ruth Cookies
These chewy cookies are loaded with peanut butter, oats, and chopped Babe Ruth bars. They’re a hearty and satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup peanut butter
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3 cups rolled oats
* 6 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. **Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Peanut Butter:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
5. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. **Stir in Oats and Babe Ruth Bars:** Stir in the rolled oats and chopped Babe Ruth bars.
7. **Drop by Spoonfuls:** Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
9. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use creamy or chunky peanut butter depending on your preference.
* Add chocolate chips or chopped peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
* For a softer cookie, slightly underbake them.
* Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Recipe 3: Babe Ruth Rice Krispie Treats
This is a fun and easy twist on the classic Rice Krispie treat. The addition of Babe Ruth bars adds a chewy, chocolatey, and nutty flavor that takes these treats to the next level.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt Butter and Marshmallows:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
2. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. **Stir in Cereal and Babe Ruth Bars:** Stir in the Rice Krispies cereal and chopped Babe Ruth bars until well combined.
4. **Press into Pan:** Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
5. **Cool and Cut:** Let the treats cool completely before cutting into squares.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use miniature marshmallows for faster melting.
* Add a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to balance the sweetness.
* Drizzle melted chocolate over the treats for an extra touch of decadence.
* Use different types of cereal, such as Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles, for a unique flavor.
Recipe 4: Babe Ruth Parfaits
These parfaits are a decadent and impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. Layers of creamy pudding, whipped cream, crushed Babe Ruth bars, and other toppings create a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
* 2 cups milk
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/4 cup powdered sugar
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, crushed
* Optional toppings: chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, caramel sauce
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Pudding:** In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it set for a few minutes according to package directions.
2. **Make Whipped Cream:** In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
3. **Assemble Parfaits:** In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed Babe Ruth bars. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
4. **Garnish:** Garnish with chocolate shavings, chopped peanuts, and caramel sauce, if desired.
5. **Chill:** Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use vanilla pudding instead of chocolate pudding for a different flavor combination.
* Add a layer of brownie chunks or cookie crumbs for extra texture.
* Use store-bought whipped cream to save time.
* Get creative with your toppings! Use anything from fresh fruit to sprinkles to chocolate syrup.
Recipe 5: Babe Ruth Milkshakes
These milkshakes are a creamy, dreamy treat that’s perfect for a hot day or a sweet indulgence. The addition of Babe Ruth bars adds a rich, nutty, and chocolatey flavor that will leave you wanting more.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups vanilla ice cream
* 1/2 cup milk
* 2 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
* Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate syrup, chopped peanuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a blender, combine the vanilla ice cream, milk, and chopped Babe Ruth bars.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Pour and Garnish:** Pour the milkshake into glasses and garnish with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chopped peanuts, if desired.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately and enjoy!
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla ice cream for a double dose of chocolate.
* Add a tablespoon of peanut butter for an extra peanutty flavor.
* Use a high-speed blender for the smoothest milkshake.
* Add a few ice cubes for a thicker milkshake.
Recipe 6: Babe Ruth Popcorn Balls
A delightful twist to the classic popcorn ball, these treats incorporate chopped Babe Ruth candy bars for added sweetness, nuttiness, and a hint of caramel. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 cups popped popcorn
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Pop the Popcorn:** Pop the popcorn and remove any unpopped kernels.
2. **Prepare the Syrup:** In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved.
3. **Cook the Syrup:** Continue to cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches the hard-ball stage (250-265°F or 121-129°C on a candy thermometer).
4. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped Babe Ruth bars.
5. **Pour over Popcorn:** Pour the syrup mixture over the popcorn and stir until evenly coated.
6. **Form into Balls:** Lightly grease your hands with butter or cooking spray. Quickly form the popcorn mixture into balls.
7. **Cool:** Place the popcorn balls on a sheet of wax paper to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Make sure the syrup reaches the hard-ball stage for the popcorn balls to hold their shape.
* Add food coloring to the syrup for festive popcorn balls.
* Use different types of nuts, such as peanuts or almonds, in addition to the Babe Ruth bars.
* Wrap the popcorn balls individually in cellophane bags for easy gifting.
Recipe 7: Babe Ruth Bark
This incredibly simple recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a maximum flavor payoff. Melted chocolate is studded with crushed Babe Ruth bars for a crunchy, chewy, and utterly irresistible treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 12 ounces chocolate (milk, dark, or semi-sweet), chopped
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, crushed
* Optional toppings: sea salt, chopped peanuts
**Instructions:**
1. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate using a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
2. **Spread the Chocolate:** Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
3. **Sprinkle with Babe Ruth Bars:** Sprinkle the crushed Babe Ruth bars evenly over the melted chocolate.
4. **Add Optional Toppings:** Sprinkle with sea salt or chopped peanuts, if desired.
5. **Chill:** Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
6. **Break into Pieces:** Break the bark into pieces and serve.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a combination of different types of chocolate for a more complex flavor.
* Add other candies, such as pretzels or M&Ms, to the bark.
* Drizzle melted white chocolate over the bark for a decorative touch.
* Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe 8: Babe Ruth Stuffed Pretzels
This recipe takes the sweet and salty combination to a whole new level. Soft pretzel dough is wrapped around pieces of Babe Ruth bars and baked to golden perfection.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (13.8 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, cut into pieces
* 1 egg, beaten
* Coarse salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Cut the Dough:** Unroll the pizza dough and cut it into small squares.
3. **Stuff the Pretzels:** Place a piece of Babe Ruth bar in the center of each dough square. Bring the corners of the dough together and pinch to seal, forming a small ball.
4. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the stuffed pretzels on the prepared baking sheet.
5. **Brush with Egg:** Brush the pretzels with the beaten egg.
6. **Sprinkle with Salt:** Sprinkle with coarse salt.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Cool:** Let the pretzels cool slightly before serving.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use store-bought pretzel dough for a shortcut.
* Brush the pretzels with melted butter after baking for extra flavor.
* Serve the pretzels with a dipping sauce, such as caramel sauce or chocolate sauce.
* Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to the pretzels before baking.
Recipe 9: Babe Ruth Sweet Potato Casserole
For a sweet and savory Thanksgiving side dish, look no further than Babe Ruth sweet potato casserole. The sweetness of the sweet potatoes is balanced by the salty and nutty Babe Ruth candy bars.
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Combine Sweet Potato Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, milk, melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. **Fold in Babe Ruth Bars:** Fold in half of the chopped Babe Ruth bars.
4. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. **Top with Pecans and Remaining Babe Ruth Bars:** Top with the chopped pecans and remaining chopped Babe Ruth bars.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use canned sweet potatoes for a quicker recipe.
* Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sweet potato mixture.
* Top with marshmallows for a classic sweet potato casserole.
* Use different types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in the topping.
Recipe 10: Babe Ruth Caramel Apples
A delightful twist on the classic caramel apple, these treats are coated in gooey caramel and studded with chopped Babe Ruth candy bars. They’re a perfect fall treat or a fun project for kids.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
* 6 wooden craft sticks
* 14 ounces caramels, unwrapped
* 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
* 4 full-size Babe Ruth bars, chopped
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Apples:** Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert a wooden craft stick into the core of each apple.
2. **Melt the Caramels:** In a saucepan, combine the caramels and milk or heavy cream. Melt over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
3. **Dip the Apples:** Dip each apple into the melted caramel, turning to coat evenly. Let the excess caramel drip off.
4. **Coat with Babe Ruth Bars:** Immediately roll the caramel-coated apple in the chopped Babe Ruth bars, pressing gently to adhere.
5. **Cool:** Place the caramel apples on a sheet of wax paper to cool completely.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use a candy thermometer to ensure the caramel reaches the correct temperature (245°F or 118°C).
* Dip the apples in melted chocolate before coating them in caramel.
* Add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate chips.
* Wrap the caramel apples individually in cellophane bags for easy gifting.
Tips for Baking with Babe Ruth Bars
* **Chop the bars:** Make sure to chop the Babe Ruth bars into small pieces for even distribution throughout your desserts.
* **Don’t overmix:** Overmixing can lead to tough baked goods. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
* **Adjust baking time:** Keep an eye on your desserts and adjust the baking time as needed. Ovens can vary.
* **Let cool completely:** Allow the desserts to cool completely before cutting or serving.
* **Get creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment and come up with your own unique recipes using Babe Ruth bars.
Conclusion
Babe Ruth candy bars are a versatile and delicious ingredient that can elevate a wide variety of desserts. From brownies and cookies to milkshakes and parfaits, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a few Babe Ruth bars and get ready to create some grand slam desserts that will knock your socks off!
This array of recipes is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Each recipe is designed to showcase the unique flavor and texture of the Babe Ruth bar, transforming a simple candy into a memorable dessert experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes offer something for everyone.
So, step up to the plate and get baking! With these home run recipes, you’ll be sure to hit it out of the park every time.