Looking for a decadent bar cookie to serve for dessert? Chocolate Walnut Shortbread Bars are the chocolaholic’s answer to lemon squares. These bars have a buttery toasted walnut shortbread crust, topped with rich dark chocolate custard. They can be served by themselves or as an accompaniment to ice cream, pudding, or fresh fruit.

48 Bars

Crust:
1 cup walnuts

2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup cold butter, (1 1/2 sticks), cut in pieces

Filling:
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup granulated sugar
1 pinch salt
2/3 cup water
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 eggs

3 tablespoons powdered sugar, for dusting

1. Preheat the oven to 350°.


2. Line a 9 x 13" baking dish with parchment, or spray with non-stick spray.


3. Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.


4. Remove from the oven to cool.


5. Crust: Measure the sugar, flour, and salt into the bowl of a food processor.


6. Pulse 2 or 3 times to mix.


7. Add the walnuts and butter; process until the walnuts are finely ground and the butter is incorporated.


8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press down evenly.


9. Bake 20 minutes while preparing the topping.


10. Filling: while crust is baking whisk together the cocoa and the granulated sugar in a small saucepan.


11. Whisk in the water until smooth; turn the heat to medium high, add the butter, and whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and the butter is melted.


12. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.


13. Pour the chocolate mixture into the eggs drop by drop, whisking constantly until well combined;whisk in the vanilla.


14. Pour the chocolate mixture over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the topping is set.


15. Remove from the oven and sift the powdered sugar over.


16. Cool thoroughly before cutting into bars.


17. Refrigerate leftovers.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 106 Calories from Fat 54
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 51% Protein 6% Carb. 43%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Cholesterol 28 mg
Sodium 126 mg
Total Carbohydrate 12 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 3 g
Protein 2 g

Vitamin A 3% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%