ButterYum’s Vanilla Nut or Honey Nut Bars

Patricia calls these little gems Vanilla Nut Bars because she uses Lyell’s Golden Syrup. I dubbed them Honey Nut, as I need to finish up a five gallon bucket of honey (long story). Either would work well I think, that’s up to you.

I love my friend Patricia from ButterYum, and not just because we both survived our teenage years slaving away at McDonald's. If you don’t know her, she lives up to her blog name and when I want something really sinful, I head over to her site. Patricia’s unapologetic use of butter in this recipe makes my kitchen smell like a mix between a bakery and a caramel popcorn factory. If only I could bottle that scent, I’d be off floating on a yacht in paradise.

ButterYum's Vanilla Nut/Honey Nut Bars

Printer Version

Makes one 9x13 pan

Crust:

2 1/2 sticks (20 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened

6 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of Fine sea salt



Filling:
1/2 pound (16 tablespoons) unsalted butter

1/2 cup Lyle's Golden Syrup (or honey)

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons heavy cream

1 pound chopped nuts (I used almonds and pecans)

Preheat oven to 350F. Make the crust by combining the softened butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Use the paddle or BeaterBlade attachment (LOVE my BeaterBlade) - mix for 3 minutes. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix well. Sift the dry ingredients together and add to the butter/sugar mixture on low speed just until all the ingredients are completely incorporated. Using well floured hands, press dough into ungreased 9x13 metal cake pan or lined 9x13 quarter sheet pan (see notes below). Bake crust for 15 minutes. Cool. Make the filling.



To make the filling - combine the butter, honey, and brown sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat, stirring constantly until mixture boils; continue to boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla, and chopped nuts. Pour mixture over the crust and bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool until set. Cut and serve!



**Lyle's Golden Syrup is an all natural sugar cane syrup imported from England - it has an addictive caramel-like flavor and I absolutely love it. It can be used interchangeably in any recipe that calls for honey. I've been finding it more easily at grocery stores lately, so have a look around and pick some up.



Notes - if baking in a sheet pan, build up the edges a bit with foil to catch any possible spills. A double recipe will fit in one half sheet pan or two 9x13 cake pans.

Recipe by Patricia at ButterYum.