Nut & Caramel Slice

Caramel and nuts are a perfect combination and for the caramel loving sweet tooth this is a delicious treat. It is very easy to make and the slice can be tweaked in a variety of ways, changing the nuts, adding different extracts. The original version used cocoa instead of custard powder, however, a friend who can not have chocolate gave me the idea of using custard powder, making the base a bit more like a 'yo yo' biscuit. I have used caster sugar but prefer the additional caramel flavour that you get with dark brown sugar. Regular brown sugar can also be used in both the base and the topping.

Cut it into larger pieces for a delicious dessert.

Nut &Caramel Slice

Base 1 1/2 cups plain flour 1/2 cup SR flour 3 tablespoons custard powder 3/4 cup brown sugar 185 g butter, melted 2 eggs

Topping 1cup brown sugar 185 g butter 2 tablespoons maple syrup or golden syrup 2 cups walnuts, roughly chopped Optional 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract or maple syrup extract.

Method

Make the base by combining the dry ingredients in a bowl.

Add melted butter and eggs, mix well.

Press into a greased and lined deep slice tin (similar to tin for brownies)

Bake at 170 deg C until the base is golden brown, approximately twenty minutes.

Make the topping by combining sugar, butter and syrup in a small saucepan. Cook over low heat until butter is melted and sugar has dissolved. Increase heat slightly and simmer the mixture for ten minutes or so until it thickens slightly. Stir often and watch as it can burn. 

Add nuts and vanilla/maple extract if using.

Carefully pour the topping over base, making sure that the caramel and nuts are evenly distributed across the surface of the slice.

Return the slice to the oven and bake a further ten minutes.

Carefully remove the slice from the oven and leave to cool until completely cold.

Cut into fingers or squares.

Notes

Slice can be made with all plain flour

Cocoa can be substituted for custard powder.

Pecans, almonds and peanuts can be substituted for the walnuts.