Chocolate Chip Nut Bars
Chewy, chocolate chip nut bars featuring a buttery brown sugar base, crunchy walnuts, and melty chocolate chips, perfect for a sweet snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Add shortening and brown sugar to the dry ingredients and mix well until smooth.
- Beat in eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated.
- Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of shortening. You can also substitute half of the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or even sunflower seeds can work as a crunchy alternative. Make sure to mix the batter until just combined to keep the bars tender. These chocolate chip nut bars are perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet treat for brunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chocolate chip nut bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, consider serving them alongside slices of Vanilla Custard For Pies at your next gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate chip nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm or let them sit at room temperature for a bit before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Nut Bars contains roughly 295 calories, with 5g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 895mg per serving (39% 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 different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use different types of nuts based on your preference. Pecans, almonds, or even macadamia nuts can be wonderful substitutes for walnuts. Just ensure they are chopped to similar sizes for even distribution in the batter.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are done when they turn golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them starting at the 25-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these chocolate chip nut bars a day in advance. Once cooled, store them properly, and they'll be just as delicious when you're ready to serve. They also taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
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).