Opera Squares
Opera Squares are indulgent layered treats featuring a buttery crust, rich chocolate filling, and crunchy walnuts and coconut, perfect for coffee breaks or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix butter, sugar, and 1 cup of flour thoroughly with a pastry blender.
- Pat the mixture lightly into a greased 7 x 11-inch oblong pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs until light.
- Add brown sugar and 2 tablespoons of flour, and mix until smooth.
- Add chopped black walnuts, coconut, and vanilla; mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 300°F (150°C).
- Let cool slightly and cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of regular butter. If you don't have black walnuts, regular walnuts or pecans can be a good substitute. To make the crust easier to work with, chill the butter before mixing it with the dry ingredients. This can help create a flakier texture, similar to that found in Coconut Pie Baked In Crust.
Serving Suggestions
Opera Squares are delightful on their own but can be enhanced with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside slices of Pumpkin Banana Bread during holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place squares in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for a few minutes until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Opera Squares contains roughly 417 calories, with 10g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% 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 use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While black walnuts add a unique flavor, you can easily substitute them with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just be sure to chop them roughly to maintain the texture in the squares.
What should I do if the mixture seems too runny?
If your mixture appears too runny, it's likely due to overbeating the eggs or not measuring the ingredients accurately. You can add a little extra flour, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency before pouring it over the crust.
How can I tell when the squares are done baking?
The Opera Squares are done when the top is set and slightly golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
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).