Prepare to be enthralled by the rich, nutty flavors of these Perfectly Balanced Walnut Squares, a recipe that promises a delicious challenge to the traditional favorites. Crafted with precision and soaked in a lemon-infused syrup for a minimum of two hours—though overnight yields the best results—each square is a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the depth of flavor achievable with quality ingredients. Using standard measuring cups for accuracy, this dessert is both a joy to make and a delight to savor.
Why You’ll Love This: These Walnut Squares stand out for their exquisite texture and balanced sweetness, enhanced by the crunch of walnuts and the soft, fragrant base that melts in your mouth. The use of simple, wholesome ingredients like ground walnuts, semolina, and a hint of cinnamon adds a comforting warmth to each bite, making this dessert a versatile favorite for all occasions.
Perfect Occasion: Ideal for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or as a sophisticated finish to a family dinner, these squares are a crowd-pleaser. They’re also perfect for gifting, wrapped up beautifully to share the joy of homemade treats. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or indulge in a personal treat, these walnut squares fit the bill.
Decoration Tips:
- Drizzle with melted white or ruby chocolate for an extra layer of elegance.
- Sprinkle ground pistachios or dried rose petals before the syrup sets for a pop of color and texture.
- Serve on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic, refined look.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of ice cream for a decadent dessert option.
Ingredients:
- For the Syrup:
- 3.5 cups sugar
- 3.5 cups water
- 1 thin slice of lemon
- For the Dough:
- 150g butter, room temperature
- 1 cup ground walnuts
- 1 whole egg + 1 egg white (medium size)
- 1 small cup semolina
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 2.5 to 3 cups flour (adjust as needed)
- For Decoration:
- Enough halved walnuts
Instructions:
- Start with the syrup: Mix sugar and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then simmer with a slice of lemon for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- For the dough: Combine butter, egg, semolina, ground walnuts, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a bowl. Gradually add flour and baking powder to form a soft, non-sticky dough.
- Shape the dough into slightly larger than walnut-sized balls. Place on a baking sheet, press a walnut half on top of each, and bake at 356°F (180°C) for about 30 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Pour the cooled syrup over the hot squares and let soak for 3-4 hours, ideally overnight.
Enjoy the perfect blend of nuttiness and sweetness in these irresistible Walnut Squares, a delightful treat that’s sure to become a new favorite.
