Deliciously Wholesome: The Best Healthy Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars Recipe
Prepare to fall in love with these incredible Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars – a recipe so good, it might just become your new favorite go-to treat! If you appreciate sweets that offer a little something extra in terms of nutritional value, then these soft, cake-like cookie bars are precisely what you’ve been searching for. Crafted with wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, a kiss of natural honey, light olive oil, wonderfully toasted walnuts, and a delightful blend of two distinct chip flavors, they strike a perfect balance between indulgence and mindful eating. These versatile bars are absolutely perfect for any occasion: a satisfying dessert after a meal, a wholesome pick-me-up snack during the day, or even a surprisingly delicious and energy-boosting breakfast option.
Jump to Recipe
This cherished recipe hails from an old Taste of Home supplement, a true testament to its enduring appeal and classic flavors. I first baked these delightful bars for my daughter, Fuzz, when she was just a little girl, and I can wholeheartedly confirm their kid-friendly status. Of course, this comes with the sensible caveat that the children you’re baking for can safely and happily enjoy nuts – a detail that should be quite evident from the name itself! What sets these bars apart from traditional blondies is their wonderfully softer, almost cake-like consistency. This unique texture truly benefits from the addition of walnuts, which provide a crucial counterpoint of crunch and richness, rounding out every bite. Unlike the often chewy and candy-like texture of typical blondies or classic Toll House bars, these offer a more tender, comforting experience, making them uniquely appealing.
The Appeal of Wholesome Baking: Why These Bars Stand Out
In a world increasingly focused on healthier lifestyle choices, finding a dessert that truly satisfies without compromising on taste or quality can be a challenge. These Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars effortlessly bridge that gap. By incorporating ingredients like whole wheat flour, which offers more fiber and nutrients than its refined counterpart, and honey, a natural sweetener, we elevate a simple treat into something more wholesome. The use of light olive oil also contributes to the healthier profile, providing beneficial fats while keeping the bars moist and tender. This recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction to enjoy a treat that aligns with a more balanced approach to eating.
Beyond their healthier attributes, these bars are incredibly versatile. Imagine starting your day with a square alongside your morning coffee, grabbing one for a quick energy boost during a busy afternoon, or serving them as a comforting dessert warmed slightly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Their robust flavor, combining the earthiness of walnuts with the classic sweetness of chocolate, makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. They are not just a recipe; they are an invitation to enjoy baking and eating in a way that nourishes both body and soul.
Enhancing Flavor: Using Walnut Oil in Walnut Chocolate Chip Bars
The original recipe thoughtfully calls for light olive oil, which contributes to the bars’ light texture and subtle flavor. However, for those who wish to truly amplify the rich, distinctive essence of walnuts, incorporating walnut oil is a brilliant culinary secret. Walnut oil has a beautifully nutty, slightly earthy flavor that can deepen the overall profile of these bars, making the walnut flavor truly sing. It’s a wonderful way to add another layer of complexity to your baking.
It’s important to note that some brands of walnut oil can have a quite potent flavor. If you’re experimenting with it for the first time, or prefer a more delicate balance, I recommend using just a tablespoon of walnut oil as part of the total ¼ cup oil called for in the recipe, with the remainder being light olive oil. This approach allows you to introduce that unique walnut note without overpowering the other delicious ingredients. As you become more familiar with its flavor, you can adjust the ratio to your personal preference, perhaps even using 100% walnut oil if you desire an intensely nutty experience. This small adjustment can transform an already delicious treat into an extraordinary one.
Other Essential Ingredient Notes and Customizations
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, and understanding their individual contributions, along with potential substitutions, can help you customize these bars to your liking and achieve perfect results every time.
The Magic of Whole Wheat Flour
Whole wheat flour is a star ingredient here, not only adding a wonderful depth of flavor but also contributing to the bars’ unique, slightly denser yet still tender texture. Unlike white flour, whole wheat flour retains the bran and germ, which means it’s packed with more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. If you are a true enthusiast of the hearty, nutty flavor of whole wheat, you are certainly welcome to use 100% whole wheat flour for an even more robust profile. However, be aware that whole wheat flour naturally absorbs more moisture than all-purpose flour. Opting for all whole wheat might result in bars that are a bit dryer. For this reason, my top recommendation is to use a balanced mix of whole wheat and all-purpose (AP) flour. This blend ensures you get the benefits and flavor of whole wheat while maintaining a delightfully moist and soft bar. For an even lighter texture, consider white whole wheat flour, which offers similar nutritional benefits but with a milder flavor and finer texture.
Sweeteners: Brown Sugar and Honey
For the brown sugar, the recipe specifies light brown sugar, which provides a mellow caramel note. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! If you’re looking to infuse your bars with a richer, more pronounced molasses flavor and deeper color, feel free to substitute dark brown sugar. The increased molasses content in dark brown sugar will give the bars a more complex, robust sweetness. Similarly, while honey acts as a fantastic natural sweetener and binder in this recipe, imparting its unique floral notes, you could also try replacing a portion or even all of the honey with a little molasses for an even bolder, old-fashioned taste. Remember that molasses has a very strong flavor, so start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Choosing the Right Oil and Chips
The light olive oil used here is chosen for its mild flavor, which allows the walnuts and chocolates to truly shine without any overwhelming savory notes. Any neutral-flavored oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, would also work if olive oil is not preferred, but the subtle fruitiness of light olive oil does add a lovely dimension. As for the chips, the combination of chocolate chips and white chocolate chips creates a wonderful visual contrast and a delightful blend of sweet, creamy, and classic chocolate flavors. But why stop there? Feel free to mix things up! Consider adding butterscotch chips for a different kind of sweetness, dark chocolate chunks for a more intense chocolate experience, or even miniature peanut butter chips for a playful twist. The more variety, the more exciting each bite becomes!
The Importance of Toasted Walnuts
Don’t skip the step of toasting your walnuts! This simple step makes a world of difference. Toasting walnuts (you can do this in a dry pan on the stovetop over medium heat for a few minutes, or spread on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes) intensifies their flavor, making them richer and nuttier. It also gives them a more satisfying crunch, which is essential for contrasting the soft texture of the bars. Walnuts are also a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, making these bars not just delicious, but also a smart choice for brain health!
Beyond the Recipe: Tips for Perfect Baking and Enjoyment
Baking to Perfection
Achieving the perfect texture for these bars is key. When you preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, ensure it’s fully preheated before you put the pan in. This consistency in temperature is crucial for even baking. Lining your 8-inch metal pan with nonstick foil or greasing and lining with parchment paper is also vital. This ensures easy removal and clean cuts, preventing the bars from sticking and tearing. When mixing the dry and wet ingredients, remember not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to tougher bars. Stir just until blended, and then gently fold in your toasted nuts and chips.
Baking for 18 to 20 minutes is a general guideline; ovens vary. Look for a golden brown color and a firm center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dry bars, so keep a close eye on them, especially during the last few minutes.
Cooling and Storage
Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to cooling these bars. Letting them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into 16 squares is essential. This allows the bars to set properly, preventing them from crumbling and ensuring clean, neat slices. Rushing this step will result in messy edges and a less appealing presentation. Once cooled and cut, store these healthy chocolate chip walnut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain their freshness and soft texture. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to a month; simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While these bars are absolutely delicious on their own, there are many ways to enjoy them. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting snack. For a truly indulgent experience, drizzle a little caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt over the top before serving. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the add-ins either! Dried cranberries or cherries can add a tart contrast, while a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm, inviting flavors. These versatile blondies truly offer a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
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Recipe
Chocolate Chip Walnut Bars
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup whole wheat flour (42 grams)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (42 grams)
- ¼ cup tightly packed light brown sugar (50-55 grams)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup light olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (40 grams)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- ½ cup chocolate chips or more
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips or more
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch metal pan by lining it with nonstick foil or by greasing it thoroughly and lining with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the bars later.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine both the whole wheat and all-purpose flours, the tightly packed light brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined, then set the bowl aside.
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In a separate, medium-sized bowl, lightly whisk the large egg, light olive oil, honey, and vanilla extract until they are fully incorporated. Pour this wet egg mixture into the dry flour mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula, just until the ingredients are blended and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chopped toasted walnuts, chocolate chips, and white chocolate chips. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to all edges.
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Bake the bars on the center oven rack for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is crucial for the bars to set properly and for clean cuts. Once fully cooled, cut them into 16 uniform squares.
Notes