Spicy Walnut Bars

Spicy Walnut Bars Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

| Servings: 12

Introduction

Spicy Walnut Bars are a delicious and indulgent treat that are perfect for any occasion. These bars are packed with warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy cream cheese frosting that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

History

The origins of Spicy Walnut Bars are a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States. These bars have become a popular dessert option for those who enjoy a little bit of spice in their sweets.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1.5 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 tsp salt
1 tsp white pepper
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
1.5 cups packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
0.75 cup sour cream
1.5 cups chopped butter toffee flavored walnuts
1 can cream cheese frosting

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Coat a jelly roll pan with cooking spray. Line the pan with wax paper and coat the paper with spray.
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until combined.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla.
Gradually beat in the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream.
Fold in the walnuts.
Spread the batter evenly in the pan.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the bars are done.
Allow the bars to cool in the pan. Then, turn them out and remove the wax paper.
Turn the bars upside down onto a serving platter. Spread frosting over the top and cut into bars.
Finally, top the bars with chopped walnuts.

Variations

Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
Swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to line your pan with wax paper and coat it with cooking spray to prevent the bars from sticking.

- Be sure to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean cuts.

- For an extra kick of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spicy Walnut Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to fold in the walnuts gently to avoid overmixing the batter.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.

- Margarine can be used in place of butter for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Spicy Walnut Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Top Spicy Walnut Bars with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Spicy Walnut Bars with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Spicy Walnut Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Spicy Walnut Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Spicy Walnut Bars contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Spicy Walnut Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Spicy Walnut Bars contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Spicy Walnut Bars are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health and immune function.

Alergens

Spicy Walnut Bars contain nuts (walnuts) and dairy (butter, sour cream, cream cheese), so they may not be suitable for those with nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Spicy Walnut Bars are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also contain some protein and important vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Spicy Walnut Bars are a delightful dessert option that are perfect for any occasion. With warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy frosting, these bars are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Spicy Walnut Bars. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a stroll through the bustling farmer's market in town. As I meandered through the rows of vibrant produce and fragrant flowers, a small stand caught my eye. The sign read "Homemade Baked Goods" in elegant script, and I was immediately drawn in by the delicious aroma wafting from the table.

I approached the stand and was greeted by a kindly elderly woman with twinkling eyes and a warm smile. She introduced herself as Mrs. Jenkins, the owner of the stand, and proudly displayed an array of delectable treats for sale. Amongst the assortment of cookies, cakes, and pies, one particular item caught my attention - a tray of golden-brown bars studded with walnuts and flecked with red pepper flakes.

Intrigued by the unique combination of spicy and sweet flavors, I asked Mrs. Jenkins about the bars. With a knowing twinkle in her eye, she leaned in closer and whispered, "Ah, those are my famous Spicy Walnut Bars. A family recipe passed down through generations. Would you like to try one?"

I eagerly accepted the offer, and as I took my first bite of the bar, I was transported to a world of culinary delight. The crunchy walnuts, the hint of warmth from the pepper flakes, and the buttery sweetness of the base all melded together in perfect harmony. I savored every morsel, feeling as though I had discovered a hidden treasure.

After finishing the bar, I turned to Mrs. Jenkins and exclaimed, "These are absolutely incredible! Would you be willing to share the recipe with me?" She chuckled softly and replied, "I'm afraid it's a closely guarded family secret, my dear. But I can give you the next best thing - a memory of the taste to carry with you always."

Disappointed but undeterred, I thanked Mrs. Jenkins for the delicious treat and bid her farewell. As I walked back home, my mind was already racing with ideas on how to recreate the Spicy Walnut Bars. I knew that I had to find a way to bring that magical flavor into my own kitchen.

Over the next few weeks, I experimented with different combinations of ingredients, trying to capture the essence of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe. I toasted walnuts to bring out their nutty flavor, added a touch of cinnamon for warmth, and balanced the sweetness with a pinch of cayenne pepper. After several failed attempts and a few too many burnt batches, I finally hit upon the perfect formula.

The moment I pulled the tray of Spicy Walnut Bars out of the oven, the familiar aroma filled the air, and I knew that I had succeeded. The bars were just as delicious as I remembered, with a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors. I couldn't wait to share my creation with friends and family, passing on the legacy of Mrs. Jenkins' recipe to a new generation.

As I watched my loved ones savoring the bars and asking for seconds, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I had not only mastered a beloved recipe but also made it my own, adding my own twist to an age-old tradition. Mrs. Jenkins may have kept her family secret closely guarded, but I had unlocked the magic of the Spicy Walnut Bars and created memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, every time I bake a batch of Spicy Walnut Bars, I am transported back to that warm summer day at the farmer's market, where a chance encounter led me on a culinary journey of discovery and delight. The recipe may have originated from Mrs. Jenkins, but now it is a part of my own culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of sharing and the joy of homemade treats.