Wisconsin-style Honey Nut Bars

Recipe

Wisconsin-style Honey Nut Bars

Wisconsin Honey Nut Delight

4.1 out of 5

Indulge in the flavors of Wisconsin with these delectable Honey Nut Bars. This recipe combines the traditional Greek dessert, Melekouni, with the rich culinary heritage of Wisconsin, resulting in a delightful treat that showcases the region's love for honey and nuts.

Jan Dec
Snack› Melekouni
European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Greek cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Midwestern American cuisine› Cuisine of Wisconsin

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

25-30 minutes

Total time

45-50 minutes

Yields

12 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Nut-free (if nuts are omitted or substituted), Kosher (if kosher-certified ingredients are used), Halal (if halal-certified ingredients are used), Refined sugar-free (if honey is the only sweetener used)

Allergens

Dairy (butter), Nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains butter and honey), Gluten-free (contains all-purpose flour)

Ingredients

While the original Melekouni is a Greek dessert made with sesame seeds and honey, this Wisconsin adaptation replaces the sesame seeds with a mix of local Wisconsin nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds. Additionally, the crust is made with Wisconsin butter, adding a rich and creamy flavor to the bars. These modifications infuse the recipe with the essence of Wisconsin cuisine, showcasing the region's love for honey and nuts. We alse have the original recipe for Melekouni, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
  • Fat (total, saturated): 17g, 8g
  • Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 16g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. 2.
    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened Wisconsin butter, honey, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
  3. 3.
    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. 4.
    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
  5. 5.
    Press two-thirds of the dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer.
  6. 6.
    In a small bowl, combine the chopped mixed nuts and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the dough in the baking dish.
  7. 7.
    Crumble the remaining dough over the nut layer, creating a crumbly topping.
  8. 8.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
  9. 9.
    Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares or bars.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the other ingredients.
  • Honey — Use a high-quality local honey for the best flavor.
  • Mixed nuts — Feel free to customize the nut mixture according to your preference or based on what is available locally. Ensure the nuts are chopped into small pieces for easy incorporation into the bars.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra flavor boost, toast the mixed nuts before chopping and incorporating them into the bars.
  • If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the amount of ground cinnamon to your liking.
  • Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
  • Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • These bars can be frozen for longer storage. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Wisconsin Honey Nut Bars as a sweet treat alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. They are perfect for afternoon snacking or as a dessert after a hearty Wisconsin-style meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the bars on a serving platter or individual dessert plates. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of honey for added visual appeal.

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