Walnut Penuche
Walnut Penuche offers a rich, sweet caramel flavor with crunchy walnuts, perfect for those who enjoy buttery confections and want a satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, letting the foil extend 2 inches above the sides.
- Grease the foil lightly.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter or oleo over medium heat.
- Add the packed brown sugar and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches soft ball stage (about 236°F or 113°C).
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Cool at room temperature until set, then cut into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider toasting the chopped walnuts before adding them to the mixture. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the walnuts into smaller pieces. Instead of brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar for a unique taste. Ensure you have a candy thermometer on hand to accurately gauge the soft ball stage for perfect results.
Serving Suggestions
These walnut penuche squares are delightful on their own but can also be served alongside a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They make a lovely addition to dessert platters or gift boxes, especially during the holidays when sharing treats like Theresa'S Sugar Cookies is common.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled and cut into squares, store the walnut penuche in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it, wrapping each piece individually to prevent sticking. To enjoy later, simply let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Walnut Penuche contains roughly 1303 calories, with 22g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 75g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 different nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Just ensure the nuts are chopped and added at the same stage in the recipe. Each type of nut will give a unique flavor and texture to your penuche.
What if I don't have a candy thermometer?
If you don't have a candy thermometer, you can test the soft ball stage by dropping a small amount of the mixture into cold water. If it forms a soft ball that can be easily squished, it's ready. Keep a close eye on the mixture as it cooks to avoid overcooking.
Can I add chocolate to walnut penuche?
Absolutely! You can swirl in some melted chocolate or mix in chocolate chips after removing the mixture from heat. This adds a delicious twist to the traditional walnut penuche, making it even more indulgent.
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).