Brazil Nut Coffee Cake Bars
Brazil Nut Coffee Cake Bars offer a delightful combination of cinnamon, nuts, and sweet dough, perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert with a crunchy topping and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift flour, baking powder, 1 cup sugar, and 3 teaspoons cinnamon into a large bowl.
- Add softened butter and Crisco to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, beat the egg white slightly.
- Add the egg and egg yolk to the flour mixture.
- Mix with an electric mixer on low speed until well combined.
- Press the dough into a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1-inch jelly roll pan, spreading evenly with a spatula or patting with hands.
- Brush the top of the dough with the beaten egg white using a fork.
- Combine the remaining 1/3 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and chopped nuts.
- Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the dough.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until the nuts are golden brown.
- Cool in the pan before cutting into 2 x 1-inch bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter. If you don't have Brazil nuts, walnuts or pecans are great substitutes. Ensure your butter and Crisco are at room temperature for easier mixing. When pressing the dough into the pan, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. You can also sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These coffee cake bars are perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful pick-me-up. They also pair beautifully with Jerry'S Cake for a dessert spread. You can add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Brazil Nut Coffee Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a refreshing snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brazil Nut Coffee Cake Bars contains roughly 988 calories, with 15g protein, 163g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (33% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 569mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. If using whole wheat flour, consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for a lighter result, or add a bit more liquid to the batter to compensate for the absorbency of whole wheat.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Brazil Nut Coffee Cake Bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Can I freeze these coffee cake bars?
Absolutely! You can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).