Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars
Indulge in these delectable Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars, a delightful treat inspired by the rich flavors of Hungarian desserts. With a soft, chewy texture reminiscent of a warm walnut pie, these bars are not only easy to prepare but also quick to bake, making them a perfect choice for last-minute gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack. The combination of brown sugar, chopped nuts, and a buttery crust creates a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to Hungary. Slice them into generous portions and share with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself—either way, these bars are sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
brown sugar
1 3/4 cups (packed)
margarine
1/2 cup (softened)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups (none)
large eggs
2 (beaten)
chopped nuts (walnuts or your choice)
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and set aside.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, cream together 3/4 cup of brown sugar and softened margarine until light and fluffy.
3
Add vanilla extract and all-purpose flour to the mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.
4
In a separate small bowl, beat the eggs until they become frothy. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar, mixing well until fully incorporated.
5
Pour the egg mixture over the crust in the baking pan, spreading it gently to cover evenly. Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top, ensuring they are distributed throughout.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. The edges should begin to turn a light golden brown.
7
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 2-1/2 x 1-1/2 inch pieces for serving.
8
Enjoy your delicious Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars?
They are a Hungarian-inspired dessert featuring a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey walnut topping similar to a walnut pie.
What is the texture of these walnut bars?
These bars have a soft and chewy texture with a gooey center and a crisp, buttery crust.
How long does it take to bake Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars?
The bars should be baked in a preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A 9-inch square baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can substitute softened butter for the margarine in the crust mixture.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust is made from 3/4 cup of brown sugar, softened margarine, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour.
How do I prepare the egg mixture for the topping?
Beat 2 large eggs until frothy, then gradually mix in 1 cup of brown sugar until fully incorporated.
When should I add the chopped nuts?
Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the egg and sugar mixture after it has been spread over the crust.
What type of nuts should I use?
Walnuts are traditional for Hungarian bars, but you can use any chopped nuts of your choice.
How do I know when the bars are finished baking?
The bars are done when the center is set and no longer jiggly, and the edges are a light golden brown.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease the 9-inch square baking pan before pressing in the crust.
Why must the bars cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the gooey filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
What size should I slice the bars into?
It is recommended to slice the bars into 2-1/2 x 1-1/2 inch pieces.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 1 3/4 cups of brown sugar, divided between the crust and the topping.
Is the brown sugar supposed to be packed?
Yes, the brown sugar should be packed when measuring to ensure the correct amount.
Can I use a different type of flour?
This recipe is designed for all-purpose flour; using other flours may change the texture of the crust.
Are these bars suitable for last-minute gatherings?
Yes, they are quick to prepare and easy to bake, making them perfect for unexpected guests.
Does this recipe contain any leavening agents?
No, this recipe does not require baking powder or baking soda.
How do I achieve a light and fluffy crust base?
Cream the brown sugar and softened margarine together thoroughly before adding the flour and vanilla.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor and even gooier results.
What should I do if the center is still jiggly after 40 minutes?
Bake for an additional 2-5 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.
How should I store these walnut bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze Gooey Hungarian Walnut Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well; store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle chocolate chips along with the nuts for a modern twist.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not specified, the recipe typically yields about 16 to 20 bars depending on how you slice them.
Is vanilla extract necessary?
Vanilla extract adds essential depth of flavor to the buttery crust.
Can I use a hand mixer?
A hand mixer is very helpful for creaming the sugar and margarine and beating the eggs until frothy.
Are these bars very sweet?
Yes, the combination of brown sugar and walnuts creates a rich, sweet dessert profile.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake them in a 9x13 inch pan, though baking time may increase.