Description
Decadent dessert bars featuring a crisp buttery shortbread crust topped with rich black sesame caramel and crunchy toasted walnuts, creating a balanced blend of nutty, sweet, and slightly savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rye flour
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup walnuts, whole or halved
- 1 teaspoon oil (optional)
- 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, chopped or chips
- flaky salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and smooth. Mix in vanilla.
- In another bowl combine all-purpose flour, rye flour, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture to form a dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Chill for 10–15 minutes.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. Remove and let cool.
- Toss walnuts with optional oil and spread on a lined baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 10–12 minutes. Set aside.
- Toast black sesame seeds in a dry skillet for 2–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Blend the toasted sesame seeds in a food processor for 3–4 minutes until a moist paste forms.
- In a saucepan over low heat combine condensed milk, brown sugar, and chopped butter. Stir until smooth.
- Increase heat to medium and cook while stirring for 5–6 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in sesame paste and white chocolate until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the toasted walnuts.
- Pour the caramel mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle flaky salt on top if desired.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight until fully set.
- Lift from the pan and cut into small bars before serving.
Notes
- Toast sesame seeds to enhance their nutty aroma before blending.
- Allow bars to chill completely for clean slicing.
- White chocolate helps stabilize the caramel layer and adds creaminess.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal from the pan.
- Flaky sea salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances sweetness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
