Amazing Filbert Bars: 1 Easy Recipe

Oh, you are going to LOVE these Filbert Bars! Seriously, if you’re looking for a little bite of nutty heaven that’s ridiculously easy to whip up, you’ve found your new favorite treat. I’m Daniel, and when I started Reciqa, it was all about sharing recipes that just *work*. You know, the kind that don’t make you stress out but still deliver all the cozy, delicious vibes. My whole thing is making cooking feel fun and totally doable, bringing a little joy and nourishment right into your kitchen. And trust me, these Filbert Bars are the perfect example of that!

Why You’ll Love These Filbert Bars

Seriously, why wouldn’t you love these little gems? They’re just the perfect sweet treat when you need something quick and satisfying. Here’s why they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen:

• So Easy to Make! You won’t believe how fast these come together. With just a few simple steps and minimal fuss, you’ll have delicious bars ready in no time. Perfect for when you need a dessert in a pinch!
• That Incredible Hazelnut Flavor! Those ground hazelnuts are the star of the show here. They give these bars such a warm, rich, and satisfying nutty taste that just can’t be beat. It’s a flavor that feels really special.
• A Delightfully Tender Bite They bake up to be just the right texture – tender and slightly crumbly, not too hard and not too soft. They melt in your mouth in the best way possible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion! Whether it’s a casual afternoon snack with your coffee, a little something sweet for a potluck, or even a simple dessert after dinner, these bars fit right in. They’re versatile and always a crowd-pleaser.

Gathering Your Filbert Bars Ingredients

Alright, let’s get everything ready to make these amazing Filbert Bars! It’s pretty straightforward, and having everything prepped makes the whole process so much smoother. You’ll want to gather these goodies before you start mixing:

All-purpose flour	¾ cup
Hazelnuts	½ cup	Finely ground
Baking powder	⅛ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon	⅛ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	⅛ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Ground cloves	⅛ teaspoon
Shortening	6 tablespoons	Make sure it’s at room temperature
Confectioners’ sugar	½ cup
Lemon zest	1 teaspoon	From about 1 medium lemon

Filbert Bars Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, a couple of things about these ingredients that make these bars extra special. First off, the ground hazelnuts! You really want to grind them yourself, ideally just before you use them. It makes such a difference in that lovely, deep nutty flavor. If you can’t find hazelnuts, or maybe you have some lovely almonds on hand, almond flour could work in a pinch, but it will change that classic filbert taste just a bit.

And for the shortening, it’s what gives these bars that wonderfully tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If shortening isn’t your thing, you can definitely try using unsalted butter. Just make sure it’s softened to room temperature, like the shortening. It’ll still be delicious, but you might find the texture is a little different, maybe a touch more crumbly!

Crafting Your Perfect Filbert Bars

Alright, let’s get our hands a little floury and make some magic! Making these Filbert Bars is honestly a breeze, and the steps are so simple, you’ll probably wonder why you haven’t made them before. Just follow along, and you’ll have a delightful treat in no time.

Preparing the Filbert Bars Dough

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While it’s warming up, grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, those finely ground hazelnuts, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Give it a good stir so all those lovely spices are evenly distributed. In a separate, larger bowl, cream together your softened shortening and the confectioners’ sugar. Beat them until they look light and fluffy – this is where you build that tender texture! Next, beat in the lemon zest. Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, stirring until it’s just combined. Don’t overmix it; we want a lovely, tender dough!

Baking and Cooling the Filbert Bars

Once your dough is beautifully mixed, it’s time to get it into the pan. Take your ungreased 9-inch square baking pan and press the dough evenly into the bottom. You want a nice, uniform layer so they bake up evenly. Pop that pan into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the top looks beautifully golden brown. Once they’re out of the oven, you can either let them cool completely in the pan, or carefully lift them out onto a wire rack to cool. Either way, let them cool down before you cut into them!

Tips for Filbert Bars Success

Making these Filbert Bars is already super easy, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, these are the kinds of things that make a good recipe great!

Achieving the Ideal Hazelnut Flavor in Filbert Bars

Okay, so for the best hazelnut flavor, please, please, please grind your hazelnuts fresh! You can do this in a food processor or a spice grinder. Just pulse them until they’re finely ground, almost like coarse flour. This makes a world of difference compared to pre-ground nuts.

Perfecting the Texture of Your Filbert Bars

When you’re mixing the dry ingredients into the creamed shortening and sugar, be gentle! We’re not making bread here, so stop mixing as soon as everything comes together. Overmixing can make your bars a bit tough, and we definitely want them tender and delightful, right?

Enjoying Your Delicious Filbert Bars

Now for the best part – enjoying your homemade Filbert Bars! These little wonders are just perfect on their own, a simple, satisfying treat that feels a little bit special. They have that lovely nutty flavor and a tender texture that just melts in your mouth. I love having one with my morning coffee, or maybe with a nice cup of tea in the afternoon. They’re also just the right size for a little something sweet after dinner without being too heavy. Honestly, they’re so easy to make, you can whip them up whenever that craving hits!

Storing and Reheating Your Filbert Bars

Got some of these yummy Filbert Bars left over? Lucky you! They store surprisingly well, keeping that tender texture and lovely flavor for a few days. The best way to keep them fresh is to pop them into an airtight container. You can just leave them right there on your counter at room temperature – they’re perfectly happy there for about 3 to 4 days. Honestly, they usually don’t last that long, but it’s good to know!

If you find they’ve lost a little bit of their oomph after a day or two, or maybe you just love that warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, reheating is super easy. Just pop a bar or two into a regular oven or a toaster oven for about 5 to 10 minutes at 300°F (150°C). They’ll be wonderfully warm and delicious again!

Storage Method	Temperature	Duration	Reheating Method	Time/Temperature
Airtight Container	Room Temperature	3-4 days	Oven or Toaster Oven	5-10 minutes at 300°F (150°C)

Frequently Asked Questions About Filbert Bars

Got some questions swirling around about these delightful Filbert Bars? I get it! Sometimes a little extra info helps make baking even more fun. Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I use whole hazelnuts instead of ground for my Filbert Bars?

You know, you *could*, but I really wouldn’t recommend it for these Filbert Bars. Using whole nuts would give you a really chunky texture, and we’re going for that lovely, tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Finely ground hazelnuts are key to that smooth, nutty goodness!

How should I store leftover Filbert Bars?

Oh, if you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), the best way to keep them fresh is in an airtight container right on the counter. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days. Just like I mentioned in the storing section, they’re pretty low-maintenance!

Are Filbert Bars suitable for nut allergies?

This is a super important one! Because these Filbert Bars are made with ground hazelnuts, they absolutely contain nuts. So, if you or anyone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, these bars wouldn’t be the right choice. Always best to be safe!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Filbert Bars

Just so you know, here’s a little peek at the estimated nutritional info for these yummy Filbert Bars. Keep in mind these numbers are approximate and can vary a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use and how you whip them up. It’s always good to have a general idea, though! For more detailed nutritional information, you can check out resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	70
Fat	5g
Saturated Fat	1g
Unsaturated Fat	4g
Trans Fat	0g
Carbohydrates	6g
Fiber	0g
Protein	1g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	27mg
Sugar	3g

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