GOLDEN WALNUT CARAMEL SQUARES

Golden Walnut Caramel Squares image

A walnut-packed caramel tops a buttery crust in this decadent candy.-Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 6-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup cold butter
1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips
CARAMEL LAYER:
1-1/3 cups sugar
1 cup butter, cubed
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup corn syrup
2-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, chopped

Steps:

Line a 9-in. baking pan with foil and grease the foil; set aside., In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into prepared pan; prick crust with a fork. Bake at 350° for 18-22 minutes or until set and edges begin to brown., Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips. Allow chips to soften for a few minutes, then spread over crust; set aside., In a large heavy skillet over medium-low heat, cook sugar until melted. Do not stir. Reduce heat to low; cook for 5 minutes or until golden brown., In a large saucepan, combine the butter, cream and corn syrup. Slowly pour in cooked sugar. Cook and stir over medium heat until a candy thermometer reads 240° (soft-ball stage). Remove from the heat; stir in walnuts. Pour over prepared crust., In a microwave, melt chocolate; stir until smooth. Drizzle over caramel layer. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm., Using foil, lift candy out of pan. Gently peel off foil; cut candy into squares.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 96 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 13mg cholesterol, Sodium 27mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.