Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These walnut squares combine a rich, buttery shortbread base with a sweet honey-walnut topping. The addition of brown sugar and lemon zest enhances the flavor, balancing the sweetness with a touch of brightness. They’re simple to make and cut into bite-sized portions, ideal for sharing.

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¼ cup powdered sugar

For the Honey Walnut Filling:

¾ cup chopped walnuts
½ cup honey
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon zest

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter until a dough forms. Press it into the pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.
Make the Filling: In a saucepan, combine honey, butter, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat until bubbling, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest.
Add the Walnuts: Mix in the chopped walnuts, then pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake Again: Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is caramelized and bubbly.
Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Pecan Version: Swap the walnuts for pecans for a slightly different nutty flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars.
Cinnamon Touch: Mix ½ teaspoon of cinnamon into the filling for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts can be substituted for walnuts.

How do I prevent the filling from becoming too hard?

Avoid overcooking the filling. It should be golden and bubbly but not overly thick.

Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes, they store well and can be made a day ahead for the best flavor.

Conclusion

Honey Walnut Squares are a delightful dessert with a balance of buttery, nutty, and sweet flavors. Their chewy texture and caramelized topping make them a perfect addition to your holiday or everyday baking list.