Nutty Noel Bars

Indulge in the festive decadence of Nutty Noel Bars, a holiday treat that combines buttery shortbread with a luscious caramel-nut topping. Perfectly golden and irresistibly rich, these bars feature a base made from melt-in-your-mouth dough, topped with a medley of caramelized mixed nuts like hazelnuts, almonds, and pecans, for a truly memorable crunch. Infused with hints of honey and a touch of optional sea salt, each bite delivers a harmonious balance of sweet and salty flavors. Quick to prepare in under an hour, these bars are ideal for holiday gatherings, gifting, or simply savoring with a warm cup of cocoa. With their festive flair and rich layers, Nutty Noel Bars are guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite in your dessert lineup!

Nutriscore Rating: 45/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.75 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1.5 cups mixed nuts (hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.), roughly chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon sea salt (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Step 3

Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, and mix until the dough comes together. It should have the texture of a soft shortbread.

Step 4

Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to create an even layer for the base. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 5

While the shortbread base cools, prepare the caramel nut topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 0.75 cup of packed brown sugar, 0.5 cup of heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Cook while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1.5 cups of roughly chopped mixed nuts. Add 0.25 teaspoon of sea salt if desired, for a touch of saltiness.

Step 7

Pour the caramel-nut mixture evenly over the baked shortbread base, spreading it gently to cover the surface.

Step 8

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbling and golden.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and allow the Nutty Noel Bars to cool completely in the pan, about 2 hours. For quicker cooling, you can place the pan in the refrigerator.

Step 10

Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares or desired portions and serve. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	937.6 grams (937.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4219

Total Fat 232.00g	297%
Saturated Fat 89.40g	447%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 368mg	123%
Sodium 656mg	29%
Total Carbohydrate 502.00g	183%
Dietary Fiber 22.10g	79%
Total Sugars 288.10g
Protein 55.90g	112%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 406mg	31%
Iron 19mg	106%
Potassium 1622mg	35%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.3%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 46.5%