Crispy walnut squares

Crispy walnut squares - An irresistible delicacy

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 24 squares

Welcome to the sweet universe of desserts! Today, I invite you to discover our recipe for crispy walnut squares, a delicious variation of the famous baklava. These pastries are not only easy to prepare but also absolutely irresistible, offering a perfect contrast between the crispy texture of the phyllo dough and the rich walnut filling. Whether you enjoy them alongside a cup of tea or serve them as dessert at a festive meal, these squares will surely win the hearts of everyone.

A little sweet history

The origin of these pastries is lost in the mists of time, but it is clear that walnuts and honey are cherished ingredients in many cultures. In our recipe, we chose to reduce the syrup, thus maintaining a perfect balance between sweetness and crispy texture. This less sweet version offers a more refined culinary experience, allowing the walnut flavors to shine.

Necessary ingredients

*For the walnut squares:*
- 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 400g)
- 500g ground walnuts
- 200g sugar
- Olive oil (for brushing the sheets)
- Margarine (for greasing the tray)

*For the syrup:*
- 250ml water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rum essence

Step by step - Preparation method

1. Preparing the walnuts
Start by roasting the walnuts. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Spread the ground walnuts on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become lightly golden and fragrant. This step intensifies the flavor of the walnuts and gives them a crunchier texture. After baking, let them cool.

2. Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the ground walnuts with the sugar. This mixture will become the filling for your squares. If you want an even more intense flavor, you can also add a few drops of vanilla essence.

3. Preparing the phyllo sheets
Take the phyllo dough out of the freezer about 30 minutes before you start cooking, to allow it to thaw completely. Make sure the sheets are well separated to avoid tearing during handling.

4. Assembling the squares
On a clean surface, place two sheets of phyllo dough one on top of the other. Brush them with olive oil to give them a flakier texture. Then, evenly distribute the walnut mixture over the entire surface. Roll the sheets tightly, forming a log. Repeat the process until you use all the sheets and filling.

5. Cutting and placing in the tray
Cut the formed logs into squares of your desired size. Place them in a tray greased with margarine, making sure they do not overlap. These squares will rise in volume during baking, so leave a little space between them.

6. Baking
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the squares become golden and crispy. Finally, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly.

7. Preparing the syrup
In a small saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once the syrup has started boiling, add the rum essence and let it boil for 5 minutes. This syrup will add a touch of sweetness and delicious flavors to the squares.

8. Finalizing
Pour the warm syrup over the squares in the tray, making sure to cover them evenly. For an extra crunch, return the tray to the oven for another 15 minutes. This will allow the syrup to soak in while maintaining the crispy texture of the sheets.

Serving and variations

Crispy walnut squares can be served warm or at room temperature. They are delicious alongside a cup of green tea or a fragrant coffee. You can also decorate them with cocoa powder or ground walnuts for an elegant look and added texture.

If you want to experiment, you can replace some of the ground walnuts with almonds or pistachios. These variations will bring an explosion of different flavors and textures. You can also try adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the filling for a more exotic taste.

Nutritional benefits

Walnuts are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants. These pastries are not just a sweet treat but also a healthier choice compared to other desserts, thanks to the natural ingredients and reduced sugar content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought phyllo dough?
Yes, store-bought phyllo dough is perfect for this recipe and significantly reduces preparation time.

2. How can I store walnut squares?
By keeping them in an airtight container at room temperature, they can last up to a week. If you want them crunchier, avoid refrigeration.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the filling?
Of course! You can add raisins, chocolate, or even spices for a more complex flavor.

These crispy walnut squares are not just a simple dessert but also a family story, a recipe that can be adapted and personalized every time you make it. I encourage you to try them and share them with your loved ones. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: a package of pastry sheets, 500g of ground nuts, 200g sugar, olive oil, margarine for greasing. For the syrup: 250ml water, 3 tablespoons of sugar and rum essence.

 Tags:  baklava