A snack bar is produced in accordance with a method employing an extrusion apparatus to include a base or crust, a primary filling provided on the base and a second filling or topping embedded in, yet externally exposed from, the primary filling. The primary and secondary fillings are co-extruded, with an extrusion nozzle for the secondary filling being located directly adjacent an extrusion port for the primary filling. The primary filling is non-flowable, while the secondary filling is preferably flowable. The extrusion nozzle can be repositioned either between or during extrusion operations to alter a repeating pattern for the secondary filling.

A snack bar is produced in accordance with a method employing an extrusion apparatus to include a base or crust, a primary filling provided on the base and a second filling or topping embedded in, yet externally exposed from, the primary filling. The primary and secondary fillings are co-extruded, with an extrusion nozzle for the secondary filling being located directly adjacent an extrusion port for the primary filling. The primary filling is non-flowable, while the secondary filling is preferably flowable. The extrusion nozzle can be repositioned either between or during extrusion operations to alter a repeating pattern for the secondary filling.

A snack bar is produced in accordance with a method employing an extrusion apparatus to include a base or crust, a primary filling provided on the base and a second filling or topping embedded in, yet externally exposed from, the primary filling. The primary and secondary fillings are co-extruded, with an extrusion nozzle for the secondary filling being located directly adjacent an extrusion port for the primary filling. The primary filling is non-flowable, while the secondary filling is preferably flowable. The extrusion nozzle can be repositioned either between or during extrusion operations to alter a repeating pattern for the secondary filling.

A snack bar is produced in accordance with a method employing an extrusion apparatus to include a base or crust, a primary filling provided on the base and a second filling or topping embedded in, yet externally exposed from, the primary filling. The primary and secondary fillings are co-extruded, with an extrusion nozzle for the secondary filling being located directly adjacent an extrusion port for the primary filling. The primary filling is non-flowable, while the secondary filling is preferably flowable. The extrusion nozzle can be repositioned either between or during extrusion operations to alter a repeating pattern for the secondary filling.

A sandwich cookie product has entertainment value by providing a filler cream layer that includes a continuous, predetermined interior image. The image is hidden by the base cakes, but can be discovered by a consumer when either base cake is removed. Because the complex image is continuous throughout the thickness of the filler cream layer, the sandwich cookie product provides entertainment value in discovery of the hidden image. Methods of making such products are described.

A sandwich cookie product has entertainment value by providing a filler cream layer that includes a continuous, predetermined interior image. The image is hidden by the base cakes, but can be discovered by a consumer when either base cake is removed. Because the complex image is continuous throughout the thickness of the filler cream layer, the sandwich cookie product provides entertainment value in discovery of the hidden image. Methods of making such products are described.

A crispy co-extruded snack product includes an extruded casing having a flour component that includes from about 37% to about 92% by weight wheat flour; and an extruded filling disposed within the extruded casing wherein filling weight is from about 20 wt % to about 75 wt % of total weight of the co-extruded foodstuff.

A shaped snack product having a substantially uniform thickness and an exposed surface area that is capable of receiving seasoning. Processes for making a shaped snack product include forming a shaped dough piece followed by intermediary steps that allow for slicing of the subsequently formed baked shaped piece producing at least two sliced pieces.

A nut butter composition is disclosed that includes a nut butter, a palm oil stearin fraction, and a powdered food ingredient, and methods of making same. Food products including a nut butter compositions and methods of making are also disclosed.

Soft and creamy lipid-based food fillings suitable for high-temperature, high-pressure cooking co-extrusion are provided. In one approach, the filling includes about 30 to about 45 weight percent of an edible lipid having a melting point of about 45° C. or lower, about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a high oil-binding capacity material having an oil-binding capacity of at least about 100%, about 10 to about 30 weight percent of amorphous materials, and less than 30 weight percent sugar, sugar alcohol, or combinations thereof. The fillings generally have a particle size distribution with D50 of about 25 microns or less. Preferably, the fillings have a low water activity of about 0.45 or less and are substantially free of polyhydric alcohols and polyhydric alcohol-based humectants. The fillings maintain their soft and creamy texture after high-temperature, high-pressure cooking co-extrusion, subsequent baking, and throughout storage.