Spicy Nut Bars
Spicy Nut Bars offer a crunchy, sweet, and mildly spicy treat with ground nuts and warm spices, perfect for snacking or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and shortening until fluffy.
- Add sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk; beat until light.
- Stir in sifted dry ingredients and half the nuts; mix well.
- Press the dough evenly into a 15 x 10-inch shallow pan.
- Brush the top with slightly beaten egg white.
- Sprinkle remaining nuts over the top.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Cut into bars while warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough. If you don't have ground nuts on hand, chopped nuts or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds can work as substitutes. Ensure your butter and shortening are at room temperature for better creaming. Avoid overmixing the dough after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
Serving Suggestions
These bars make a delightful snack or dessert option, perfect for gatherings. Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. They also complement fruit salads or can be crumbled over yogurt for a quick breakfast. For a festive touch, serve with a scoop of Double Almond Ice Cream for a delicious contrast in textures and flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Spicy Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the oven for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Nut Bars contains roughly 159 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 7g fat.
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
Is there a way to make these bars more nutritious?
Certainly! You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, consider using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. Just adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly, and you’ll have a healthier version of these delicious bars.
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).