Caramel Nut Slices are a classic, old-fashioned dessert bar made with rich brown sugar, chopped nuts, and a soft, chewy texture. Originating in mid-20th-century American home baking, these slices were a popular choice for potlucks, church socials, and holiday gatherings. With a caramel-like sweetness, slight crunch from toasted nuts, and a melt-in-your-mouth bite, these treats strike the perfect balance between cookie bars and candy. They’re versatile, easy to make, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 cups brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together shortening and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and beat until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Add Nuts & Chill
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Form dough into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Step 4: Bake the Slices
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice dough into ½-inch slices and arrange on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
- Allow slices to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips
- Chill the dough thoroughly for clean, neat slices.
- Shape the dough into logs before chilling for easier slicing.
- Substitute walnuts, pecans, or mixed nuts based on preference.
- Add ½ teaspoon vanilla for enhanced caramel flavor.
- For chewier slices, bake toward the lower time; for crisper slices, bake longer.
- Sprinkle tops lightly with coarse sugar before baking for sparkle.
- Replace half the shortening with butter for more buttery flavor.
- Dough keeps several weeks refrigerated as the card notes, great for make-ahead baking.
- Bake a test cookie first to fine-tune your oven’s time and temperature.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate after baking for a dressed-up version.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.2gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 80mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 30IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg
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