These Dark Chocolate Nut Squares are a tasty treat made with rich dark chocolate and crunchy nuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without going overboard!
Honestly, who can resist the sweet combo of chocolate and nuts? They’re so good that I sometimes forget to share! Enjoy them with a cup of tea for a cozy moment.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This forms the base. You can replace it with almond flour for a gluten-free option, but it may change the texture slightly.
Nuts: Mixed nuts give great flavor and crunch. Feel free to use any nuts you love, like cashews or hazelnuts. If nut allergies are a concern, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can work well.
Dark chocolate: I recommend using chocolate with 70% cocoa for a richer taste. If you prefer something sweeter, milk chocolate is a good alternative. Just melt it gently to avoid burning!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred here for precise control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can easily replace it.
How Do You Achieve the Best Nut Caramel Layer?
Creating the nut caramel layer is crucial for that delightful chewiness. Here’s how to do it without a hitch:
- Mix your brown sugar, butter, honey, vanilla, and salt in a saucepan. Stir constantly over medium heat.
- Watch closely until it bubbles. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
- Once bubbly, take it off the heat and quickly stir in your chopped nuts.
- Working fast, pour this mixture over your baked base and spread it evenly before returning it to the oven.
The caramel stays gooey after baking, creating that lovely texture everyone enjoys!
How to Make Dark Chocolate Nut Squares
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Nut Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, almonds), chopped
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey or corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- Flaky sea salt, for garnish (optional)
- Additional chopped nuts, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake. You will need to let the squares cool for about an hour and refrigerate them for another hour to set before serving. So, budget a total of about 2 hours, including cooling and chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
2. Make the Base
In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Then pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture looks crumbly. This is going to be the delicious base of your squares!
3. Bake the Base
Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined 8-inch square baking pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until it’s a lovely light golden color. Once done, take it out and let it cool a bit.
4. Prepare the Nut Caramel Mixture
While your base is baking, grab a small saucepan. Combine the brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of butter, honey (or corn syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Cook this over medium heat, stirring frequently until it starts to bubble and the sugar dissolves. You’re making a gooey caramel!
5. Add the Nuts
Once it’s bubbling nicely, remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped nuts. This nutty topping is going to be so good!
6. Pour the Mixture Over the Base
Now it’s time to pour the nut caramel mixture evenly over your baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes to get everything nice and melded together.
7. Add the Chocolate Topping
After 15 minutes, take the pan out. Immediately sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over the hot nut mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften, then use a spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly on top.
8. Garnish
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some extra chopped nuts and a little flaky sea salt on top to make it look irresistible!
9. Cool and Chill
Let the squares cool completely at room temperature. Then, pop them in the fridge for at least 1 hour until they are firm.
10. Slice and Serve
Once they’re set, take them out and cut into squares. Enjoy these delightful treats, and don’t forget to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge!
These Dark Chocolate Nut Squares are sure to satisfy your cravings with their crunchy, caramelly, and chocolaty goodness. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Nuts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts like cashews, hazelnuts, or even seeds if you have nut allergies. Just make sure to chop them to ensure even distribution in the caramel layer.
How Should I Store the Dark Chocolate Nut Squares?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make these squares vegan, replace the butter with a plant-based butter and use a vegan chocolate. Additionally, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it plant-based.
What Should I Do If My Chocolate Doesn’t Melt Smoothly?
If your chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, try placing it back on low heat for just a minute or two while stirring continuously. Alternatively, you can melt it in a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals (15-20 seconds), stirring between each interval until fully melted.