Caramel and walnut wafers

Caramel and Walnut Wafer Cookies: a crunchy and flavorful delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 12 servings

Who doesn’t love a dessert that combines the crunchy layers of wafers with a sweet and aromatic filling? Caramel and walnut wafers are a perfect choice for any occasion. This simple yet sophisticated dessert promises to impress everyone, from kids to adults.

The origin of wafers is deeply rooted in ancient culinary traditions, where thin sheets were filled with various combinations of creams and pastes, transforming into the delights we know today. Our recipe combines the crunchy texture of the wafers with delicious caramel enriched with walnuts, making each bite a true revelation.

Ingredients:

- 1 small package of Lica wafers (approximately 200 g)
- 200 g butter (preferably at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar (divided into two portions)
- 4 egg yolks
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of lemon essence
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 300 g walnuts, coarsely chopped

Preparation of caramel and walnut wafers:

1. Preparing the ingredients: It’s essential to have all the ingredients ready and at hand, as the cooking process needs to be quick. Chop the walnuts into large pieces and set them aside. Make sure the butter is soft and easy to mix.

2. Preparing the cream: In a large bowl, combine the soft butter, 150 g of sugar, salt, lemon essence, and lemon zest. Use a mixer or spatula to homogenize the mixture until you achieve a creamy texture. Once the cream is homogenized, place the bowl over a steam bath. Stir constantly until the cream becomes fluffy and airy. It’s important not to rush this step to achieve the ideal texture.

3. Preparing the caramel: In another pot, add the remaining sugar (150 g) and begin to melt it over low heat. Stir it with a wooden spatula to prevent burning. When the sugar has completely melted and turned golden, quickly pour it over the butter cream, stirring vigorously to avoid the formation of solid caramel.

4. Finalizing the cream: Place the pot back over the steam bath and continue to stir until all the sugar is completely melted and the cream becomes homogeneous. Don’t worry if some sugar crystals harden; they will continue to melt with the heat.

5. Adding the walnuts: When the cream is ready, add the chopped walnuts and mix well so that each piece of walnut is coated with this delicious caramel cream.

6. Assembling the wafers: Take the wafer sheets and fill each sheet with a generous portion of the caramel walnut cream. You can use a spatula or spoon to distribute the cream evenly. Stack the filled sheets on top of each other, forming a layered cake.

7. Pressing: After you have finished filling the sheets, place a weight (like a tray or another heavy object) on top of them. This step is essential to ensure uniformity of the wafers and to allow the cream to set perfectly between the sheets.

8. Cooling: Let the wafers rest at room temperature for a few hours; ideally, leave them in the fridge overnight to harden well.

9. Portioning: Once the wafers have cooled, cut them into portions using a sharp knife. Each portion will be a perfect combination of crunchy sheet and delicious filling.

Useful tips:

- Be careful with the caramel: Caramelizing sugar can be delicate; make sure not to burn it, as it will acquire a bitter taste.
- Finding the balance: If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or add more walnuts for a more pronounced flavor.
- Variations: You can experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different taste. You can also add a hint of cocoa to the cream for a flavor contrast.

Nutritional benefits:

Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, contributing to heart health and maintaining a balanced diet. Butter, although caloric, provides essential vitamins and beneficial fatty acids, but it’s important to consume it in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use wafer sheets from another brand?
Yes, you can use wafer sheets from any brand, but make sure they are thin to achieve a crunchy texture.

2. How can I store the wafers?
Wafers are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If left in the fridge, they will stay fresh longer, but may become less crunchy.

3. Can I use salted butter?
For this recipe, it is recommended to use unsalted butter, as salt is already included in the recipe. If you use salted butter, adjust the amount of salt in the recipe.

These caramel and walnut wafers are not only a delicious dessert but also a pleasant cooking experience that will enrich you with sweet memories. Whether you serve them at a party, as a snack between meals, or simply as a reward for yourself, they are sure to bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share the recipe with those who appreciate homemade goodies!

 Ingredients: 1 small package of Lica sheets 200g butter 300g sugar 4 egg yolks 1 teaspoon of salt lemon essence lemon zest 300g coarsely chopped walnuts