Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further! This Coffee Ginger Walnut Slice recipe is the perfect answer for those moments when you need a quick and delicious homemade dessert. It's a fantastic combination of textures and flavors – the chewy ginger, the crunchy walnuts, the rich coffee, all nestled in a buttery shortbread base. This recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while impressing your friends and family with your baking skills. Whether you’re looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, or simply delicious dishes, this one fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients:
For the Base:
- 175g plain flour
- 75g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tbsp cold water
For the Ginger Filling:
- 175g golden syrup
- 75g dark brown soft sugar
- 50g unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 100g walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions:
Making the Base:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/350°F/Gas Mark 4). Line a 20cm x 20cm baking tin with baking paper.
- In a large bowl, rub the cold butter into the flour and sugar until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This is easiest if your butter is very cold.
- Gradually add the cold water, mixing until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared tin. Prick the base all over with a fork.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Making the Ginger Filling:
- While the base is baking, prepare the filling. In a saucepan, combine the golden syrup, brown sugar, butter, instant coffee granules, and ground ginger.
- Heat gently, stirring continuously, until the butter and sugar have melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the chopped walnuts.
- Once the base is baked and slightly cooled, pour the ginger filling evenly over the top.
- Leave to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Coffee Ginger Walnut Slice:
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter for the base is key to achieving a crumbly texture. Make sure your butter is straight from the fridge.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the base dough will result in a tough slice. Mix until it just comes together.
- Even Baking: For even baking, rotate your tin halfway through the cooking time.
- Cooling Time: Allow the slice to cool completely before cutting. This will prevent it from crumbling and ensure clean cuts.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Twist: Add 50g of chocolate chips to the ginger filling for an extra decadent treat.
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the ginger filling for a bright, refreshing twist.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with other spices like cinnamon or cardamom to customize the flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per square, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This Coffee Ginger Walnut Slice recipe is a perfect example of a delicious and easy recipe that's suitable for any occasion. It's a delightful combination of flavors and textures, perfect for a quick dessert or a special treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner trying out new healthy meals, this recipe is a surefire winner! This homemade cooking project promises a truly satisfying outcome. Enjoy!