Decadent Chocolate Walnut Bars
Indulge in the rich and delightful experience of these Decadent Chocolate Walnut Bars. Originating from a cherished 2006 Better Homes & Gardens booklet, this recipe is a favorite among bakers for its simplicity and taste. The buttery crust serves as a perfect base, while a luscious filling of melted chocolate and sweetened condensed milk offers a creamy contrast, studded with crunchy walnuts (or pecans for a delightful twist). Cut these bars into various shapes for a festive holiday cookie tray, or serve them up at any gathering for a sure crowd-pleaser. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also store beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for busy hosts.
N/A
Servings
160
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened (unsalted preferred))
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
salt
1/8 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 cups
sweetened condensed milk
1 (14 ounce) can
semisweet chocolate pieces
1 cup
walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.
3
Add granulated sugar and salt to the butter, then continue to beat until fully combined.
4
Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
5
Press two-thirds of this crust mixture evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan to form the base.
6
In a medium saucepan, combine sweetened condensed milk and semisweet chocolate pieces. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
7
Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped walnuts (or pecans) and vanilla extract until well mixed.
8
Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the unbaked crust in the pan.
9
Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the chocolate filling to add a topping.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
11
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or desired shapes.
12
For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the bars for a short time before slicing.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
19g
Carbs
1.6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Chocolate Walnut Bars?
They are a rich dessert featuring a buttery crust, a creamy chocolate and sweetened condensed milk filling, and crunchy walnuts.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from a cherished 2006 Better Homes & Gardens booklet.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is required?
You will need a 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
No, the recipe calls for an ungreased baking pan.
How much butter is used in the crust?
The recipe requires 1 cup of softened butter, preferably unsalted.
How long should I beat the butter?
Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 30 seconds before adding sugar.
What kind of sugar is used for the crust?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is used to create the soft dough for the crust.
How much flour is needed?
You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much of the crust mixture goes on the bottom?
You should press two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
What are the main ingredients for the chocolate filling?
The filling consists of one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk and 1 cup of semisweet chocolate pieces.
How do I prepare the chocolate filling?
Combine the milk and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
When should I add the walnuts and vanilla?
Fold in the chopped walnuts and vanilla extract after removing the chocolate mixture from the heat.
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, pecans can be used as a delightful alternative to walnuts.
How much vanilla extract is included?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I assemble the layers?
Spread the chocolate filling over the unbaked crust and then sprinkle the remaining one-third of the crust mixture on top.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the top crust is golden brown.
How should the bars be cooled?
Allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
What is the secret to getting cleaner cuts?
Refrigerate the bars for a short time before slicing them into squares.
Are these bars good for holidays?
Yes, they are an ideal festive treat and can be cut into various shapes for holiday cookie trays.
Can I make these bars in advance?
Yes, they store beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead treat.
How many calories are in one bar?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each bar contains 10 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in these bars?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does one bar provide?
Each bar provides 1.6 grams of protein.
Is salt necessary for the crust?
The recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of salt to balance the flavors.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chocolate, bars, cookies, easy recipes, holiday, dessert, decadent, walnuts, pecans, and sweets.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 8 main ingredients required for this recipe.