Triple-Layer Chocolate Walnut Bars

Chocolate Walnut Bars Recipe: A Triple-Layered Delight

🍫🌰✨

Overview:
Indulge in the irresistible charm of these Chocolate Walnut Bars – a delightful creation with three distinct layers that bring together the rich essence of chocolate, the buttery goodness of shortbread, and the crunchy allure of walnuts. Adapted from a cherished Recipezaar find, these bars are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

Times:

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate chips
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped

Nutritional Information (Per Bar):

• Calories: 205.8
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6.6g
• Cholesterol: 37.6mg
• Sodium: 8.9mg
• Carbohydrates: 19.9g
• Fiber: 1.1g
• Sugar: 14.4g
• Protein: 2.5g

Yield:
32 Bars

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Line a 13 by 9-inch pan (at least 1-1/2 inches deep) with heavy-duty aluminum foil, shiny side up, and set it aside.
   • Adjust the rack to the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.

2. Crust Layer:

   • In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, sugar, and vanilla, and cream by hand until well-mixed and fluffy.
   • Add sifted flour and stir to combine.
   • Place the crust mixture by small spoonfuls all over the bottom of the lined pan. Press it into an even layer using lightly floured hands.
   • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.

3. Chocolate Layer:

   • While the crust bakes, ensure your chocolate chips are ready.
   • Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over it. Return to the oven for 3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
   • Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the crust with the back of a spoon or offset spatula. Allow it to stand for about 3 minutes.

4. Walnut Layer:

   • In a medium bowl, combine eggs, sugar, and vanilla for the walnut layer. Beat by hand until well-mixed.
   • After the standing period, add slightly cooled melted butter to the egg mixture and beat in.
   • Stir in chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
   • Place walnut mixture by spoonfuls over the melted chocolate layer, distributing walnuts as evenly as possible.

5. Final Bake:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
   • The top of the walnut layer should be a light golden brown, while the edges will have a darker hue. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.

6. Cooling and Storage:

   • Allow the bars to cool completely before storing them airtight.
   • To cut, use a large, sharp, straight-edged knife. Trim about 1/4 inch from each edge before cutting into bars.
   • Store the bars airtight at room temperature for up to several days or in the freezer for longer storage.

🔍 Notes:
These bars not only boast a fantastic taste but also freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead treat. The chocolate layer requires some patience to set up, so plan accordingly. For optimum freshness, follow the recommended storage instructions, and enjoy these bars as a delightful dessert or a sweet snack any time of the day.

✨ Indulge in the joy of creating and savoring these Chocolate Walnut Bars – a testament to the magic that happens when buttery crust, velvety chocolate, and crunchy walnuts come together in perfect harmony! 🍫🌰💖