Caramel Cubes

Caramel Cubes – A delicacy that combines the crunchy texture of cookies with the richness of caramel, perfect for any occasion.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 24 cubes

The history of caramel cubes is lost in the mists of time, but it is believed that they evolved from traditional sweets that combined various textures and flavors. These cubes are a perfect example of balance between sweet and salty, with a nutty note that gives them a unique character. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a dessert after dinner, caramel cubes are sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 200 g flour (choose a quality flour, ideal for cakes)
- 125 g sugar (you can opt for brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 100 g ground nuts (make sure they are fresh for maximum aroma)
- 150 g butter (preferably unsalted, at room temperature)
- 1 egg (preferably organic or from free-range hens)
- a pinch of salt (salt helps enhance the flavors)

For the caramel:
- 200 g sugar (suggestion: coconut sugar can provide a unique flavor)
- 370 ml heavy cream (opt for a high-fat cream for creamier caramel)
- 30 g butter (unsalted, to maintain the balance of flavors)
- 120 g ground nuts (to enrich the texture)

Preparation

1. Preparing the base:
Start by preparing the dough. In a large bowl, mix the flour with the sugar, a pinch of salt, and ground nuts. Ensure the dry ingredients are well combined so that every bite has that delicious nutty flavor.

2. Add the softened butter and egg to the bowl. Use a spatula or your hands to knead the dough. You will notice it becomes soft and sticky, just as it should be. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little flour, but don’t overdo it, as the dough shouldn’t be too firm.

3. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for an hour. This step is essential to firm up the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

4. Baking the base:
After the resting time is up, preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Place a sheet of parchment paper in a tray approximately 20x30 cm. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and spread it evenly in the tray, ensuring it is well distributed at the edges.

5. Bake the dough in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Once done, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly.

6. Preparing the caramel:
In a saucepan, add the sugar and two tablespoons of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning the sugar. When the sugar begins to caramelize and turns golden, add the heavy cream and butter. Be careful! The mixture will steam and be very hot.

7. Continue stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until the caramel becomes smooth. Then, add the ground nuts and let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring constantly. The caramel will start to thicken; when it becomes thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, it is ready.

8. Final assembly:
Pour the caramel over the cooled base, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Let the cubes cool completely, then cut into desired squares.

9. Serving and variations:
These caramel cubes are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a pleasant temperature contrast. Also, add a little sea salt on top of the caramel for a "sweet-salty" effect.

Useful tips:
- If you want to experiment, you can add flavors like vanilla or cinnamon to the dough for a special touch.
- Make sure to use a thick-bottomed saucepan to achieve an even caramel.

Nutritional values (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 200 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I replace the cream with milk?
It is not recommended, as the cream provides an essential creamy texture for the caramel.

2. How can I store the caramel cubes?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for a longer duration.

3. Can I make the caramel cubes without nuts?
Of course! You can omit the nuts or replace them with other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.

Caramel cubes are a wonderful choice for a quick and simple dessert, and the combination of flavors and textures makes them ideal for enjoying at any time of the day. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: For the dough, we need: 200 g flour, 150 g butter, 100 g ground walnuts, 125 g sugar, 1 egg. For the caramel, we need: 370 ml heavy cream, 30 g butter, 200 g sugar, 120 g ground walnuts.