Chocolate Walnut Bars
Rich chocolate walnut bars with a buttery crust, sweet chocolate topping, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for satisfying dessert cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and brown sugar until well combined.
- Sift flour and gradually blend into the creamed butter mixture to form a dough.
- Butter a 2-quart small square Pyrex dish and press the dough evenly over the bottom.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the chocolate chips.
- Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the top with the back of a spoon.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts on top and allow to cool.
- Cut into 12 squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. If you don't have walnuts, try substituting with pecans or almonds. Make sure to press the dough firmly into the pan to create a solid base for the chocolate. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate walnut bars are delicious on their own, but they pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce. They also make a great addition to any dessert platter alongside other treats like Jackie'S Cream Pralines.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chocolate walnut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for a firmer texture. To enjoy them warm, simply microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Walnut Bars contains roughly 465 calories, with 9g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your chocolate chips are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. The texture may vary slightly, but they should still turn out delicious!
Can I freeze the chocolate walnut bars?
If you have any leftover bars, you can also freeze them whole. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. For a healthier choice, unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas can be used, but this may alter the texture slightly, making the bars softer.
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).