Rustic Nut Bars

posted on December 23, 2009 by Beth // 1 Comment »


Over the weekend, my kitchen turned into a chocolate factory as I whipped up all kinds of goodies to go in gift bags. And after taste-testing every bit of it, I was kind of sick of eating chocolate. This statement is a tab bit shocking even to myself, because I don’t ever tire of eating chocolate.

In an effort to prevent my gift recipients from going into chocolate overload, I wanted to add something else a little different to their packages. This nut filled recipe seemed like it would be a great addition to the sampler.

Oh boy. Let me tell you, I’ve eaten more than my daily allowance of nuts for 3 days straight. I seriously have to force myself to step away.

These beautiful nut bars are rich, buttery and decadent. To save my friends and family from themselves, I’m only going to include 2 in each package. Because I care. (Not because I want to eat more of them myself. No, that is not it all.)


Rustic Nut Bars

Adapted from Epicurious. Yield: about 3 dozen.


Print Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp plus 3/4 cup cold butter, divided

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg, lightly beaten


Topping

2/3 cup honey

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 tsp salt

6 Tbsp butter, cubed

2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

1 cup hazelnuts*, toasted

1 cup roasted salted almonds

1 cup salted cashews, toasted

1 cup pistachios, toasted


Directions:

Line a 13-in x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan with foil; grease the foil with 1 Tbsp butter. Set aside.


In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt; cut in remaining butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in egg until blended (mixture will be dry). Press firmly into prepared pan. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.


In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the honey, brown sugar and salt to a boil; stir until sugar is dissolved. Boil without stirring for 2 minutes. Add butter and cream. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat; stir in the nuts. Spread over crust.


Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until topping is bubbly. Cool completely on a wire rack. Using foil, lift bars out of pan. Discard foil; cut into squares.


Note: Nut bars keep, layered between sheets of wax paper or parchment, in an airtight container at room temperature 1 week.


*I couldn't find hazelnuts at the store on the day I was shopping, so I just used peanuts since I had some in the house. You could also sub macadamia nuts or pecans for an even richer taste.


Hazelnuts on Foodista