Honey Walnut Bars

A stack of two shortbread bars topped with walnuts.

Honey walnut bars are a buttery and rich dessert treat. Crunchy walnuts are coated in a gooey honey caramel, then baked on top of a buttery and tender shortbread cookie crust.

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 36

Total Time 56

Servings bars

Author Heather

Ingredients

Shortbread crust

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter room temperature
⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
⅛ teaspoon salt

Topping

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (160 g) brown sugar
½ cup (168 g) honey
2 cups (226 g) chopped walnuts
⅓ cup (76 g) heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¾ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Shortbread crust

Preheat oven to 375℉. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add vanilla and stir to combine. Add flour to butter mixture and mix until a dough forms. Dough may be crumbly, but will hold together when pinched between two fingers.
Press dough into an even layer in prepared baking pan. Prick the top of the dough with a fork, then par-bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned around edges and top. Remove bars from oven and set aside until topping is ready.
Leave your oven on.

Topping

In a saucepan over medium heat, add butter, sugar, and honey. Bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then add heavy cream. Boil for 1 more minute.
Remove from heat and add vanilla extract and salt. Stir to combine. Add walnuts and stir to coat.
Pour topping over shortbread crust.
Place bars back in the oven and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until entire top is bubbly. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing (topping needs time to firm up).
These bars are very sweet, so small slices (20-24 for this size pan) work best.

Video

Notes

Nuts: Walnuts can be substituted with your favorite nut. Cashews, peanuts, or almonds are great choices.
Storage: Bars will keep for 3-5 days at room temperature in a sealed container or 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place on the countertop to bring to room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Nutrition