Cinnamon Nut Squares
Cinnamon Nut Squares are a rich, buttery treat featuring a cinnamon-spiced crust topped with toasted pecans. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or as a sweet snack, their warm flavors and crunchy texture make them a delightful addition to any dessert platter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Cream together the margarine, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolk to the creamed mixture and beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture and continue beating until blended.
- Spread the dough evenly into an ungreased jelly roll pan.
- Beat the egg white until just foamy.
- Spread the foamy egg white evenly over the top of the dough.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top and press them in lightly.
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden brown.
- Cut into squares while still hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you're short on pecans, walnuts can be a good substitute. Ensure the egg whites are beaten until just foamy to achieve the right texture on top. This recipe can also be adapted by adding chocolate chips or dried fruits if you want to experiment with flavors.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Nut Squares make a delightful snack or dessert. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea and can be enjoyed as part of a dessert platter alongside Maple Nut Squares or Coconut Pancakes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cinnamon Nut Squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply place the squares in a microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cinnamon Nut Squares contains roughly 448 calories, with 6g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (16% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 667mg per serving (29% 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 a different type of nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Just ensure that the nuts are finely chopped for even distribution throughout the squares.
What can I do if the dough is too dry?
If you find the dough is too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to help moisten it. Mix gradually until you reach a workable consistency. Avoid adding too much liquid at once to prevent altering the texture of the squares.
How can I tell when the squares are done baking?
The Cinnamon Nut Squares are done when they turn a golden brown color around the edges. You can also test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
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).