With Cashew Nuts
A few months ago I got a huge bag of cashew nuts and some peanut butter jars as a gift. After that, my cooking and baking took a turn and I started with ingredients at hand, in this case peanut butter and cashew nuts. Earlier on I made some Date and Cashew Muffins, then some Meatballs in Coconut Curry Sauce (garnished with cashew nuts), then Lentil Carrot Soup with Meatballs and now the cashew nuts have found their way into this Nutty Chocolate Slice. My bag of cashew nuts is slowly becoming empty and the peanut butter jars are gone. Don’t you sometimes just sit in a corner and eat spoonfuls of peanut butter straight out of the jar? Some people call it gross. I call it a great pastime.
Chocolate and nuts always go together. Think of all the chocolate snacks on the market right now: Nutella bars, Chocolate pralines, Chocolate footballs, Cadbury whole nut, Chocolate nut bars, Chocolate nut biscotti, Chocolate nut cookies, Chocolate nut breads, Chocolate nut brownies. They are all so appetizing. This recipe is simple and straightforward. First the butter, brown sugar and dark chocolate are melted under low heat. The resulting mixture is cooled to room temperature and then mixed with the other wet ingredients (peanut butter, eggs and milk). The wet ingredients are then poured into the flour and mixed and the cake slice is ready to go into the oven. Ever wondered why baking is my favourite pastime? Because it requires minimum effort in mixing ingredients and lots of waiting time whilst the baking gets done, perhaps with a peanut butter jar and a spoon at hand, with some music playing in the background. Join the lazy bakers club and start baking! And guess what I stumbled into today: “10 Desserts You Can Make in 3 steps or Less” somebody out there understands that there are some extremely lazy bakers (LOL).
- Ingredients
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
- ½ cup roasted unsalted nuts (I used cashew nuts)
- 125g (½ cup) butter
- 180g (¾ cup) brown sugar firmly packed
- 60g dark chocolate chopped
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) confectioners (icing) sugar
Please always remember to assemble all ingredients before you start
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8 inch (20 cm) square pan (tin) with parchment (greaseproof paper).. Sift the flour and baking powder.
Stir in cashew nuts into flour. Set aside
Combine butter, brown sugar, and chocolate in a small saucepan and stir continuously over low heat until chocolate is melted.
Cool to room temperature.
Combine peanut butter, eggs and milk in a bowl
and whisk to combine.
Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture into the peanut butter mixture.
and stir to combine
Pour in the flour.
and stir to combine
Spoon the mixture into prepared pan (tin)
and bake for about 30 minutes or until just firm (Do not over bake or it will be come dry and unpleasant). Stand 5 minutes before transferring onto wire rack to cool.
Once cooled, trim the edges and cut into 9-12 slices. Sprinkle icing (confectioners) sugar over the top and serve
This cake was very delicious, especially if you love nuts.
We gobbled up all the slices in one afternoon. I have since made it over and over, again.
Nutty Chocolate Slice
Preparation time: 20 minutes + 30 minutes cooling time; Baking time: 25-30 minutes; Makes: 9 slices
Ingredients
- 125g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) baking powder
- ½ cup roasted unsalted nuts (I used cashew nuts)
- 125g (½ cup) butter
- 180g (¾ cup) brown sugar firmly packed
- 60g dark chocolate chopped
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) peanut butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) confectioners (icing) sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 8-inch (20 cm) square pan (tin) with parchment (greaseproof paper). Sift flour and baking powder. Stir in nuts into flour.
- Combine the butter, brown sugar, and chocolate in a small saucepan and stir continuously over low heat until chocolate is melted. Cool to room temperature.
- In another bowl, combine peanut butter, eggs and milk and whisk to combine. Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture, then stir in the flour. Pour the batter into prepared pan (tin) and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until just firm (do not overbake it). Stand 5 minutes before transferring onto wire rack to cool.
- Dust with sifted confectioners (icing) sugar and then cut into 9 squares. Cut each square into two triangles.
- **I weigh the flour and butter. I do not use cup measures. The weight of a cup of flour tends to vary based on individual interpretation, publication and size of cup used (from 125g to 130g to 155g per cup)
- Cup measures based on assumption, 1 cup = 125g flour so that would be the US cup of 237ml, not the Australian Cup. The Australian cup = 155g flour so that would change cup measures. For cup measures, spoon the flour into the cup- do not scoop.
Points to note:
- Please note that oven temperatures are given as a guideline only. You may need to add or reduce the suggested temperature depending on your oven. I baked the cake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- I always weigh ingredients, especially the flour and butter. You can use cup measures, but please note if you scoop flour directly from the bag you will end up with 150-185 g of flour instead of the recommended 125g. I suggest you spoon the flour into the cup, heaping it up over the top, then slide a knife across the top to level off the extra. Be careful not to shake or tap the cup to settle down the flour or you will have more than you need. You can also sift the flour first then scoop. My best advice: please use a weighing scale.
- Last updated: 11 May 2017
myfavouritepastime.com
My Favourite Pastime 
My husband’s favorite nut is the cashew and I know he would love your simple but delicious sounding dessert.
I highly recommend it. Easy to make and a pleasure to eat! We are drowning in cold weather…what about you?
Liz
It was sixty today here in our area of Florida and very windy.
We have been at -10F most of this week. Brrr….because I jog 6k in the mornings. Getting used to it!!! I wish you a Happy Brand New Year!
Liz
That is way too cold…hope it warms up soon.
Quite warm today. There is sunshine!
Hi Liz,
You are an amazing baker. i love your presentation. Waiting to try some of your recipes soon. Thanks a lot.
Oh thank you so much for the kind words. I feel very honoured. I hope you find time to try some of the recipes. Happy baking. Have a lovely week!
Liz
Yummmm, this is perfect for holiday season! The slices are so evenly risen & beautiful, I want to taste one right now! 😆 Have a wonderful Christmas and new year ahead Liz! 🙂
Hi Parisa,
I had a wonderful Christmas, just the way you wished me. I adore these nutty chocolate slices. When you start eating…you don’t stop, until you finish. Happy 2014 and have a wonderful weekend!
Liz
My gosh these were amazing I loved the chocolate, and it went great with the nuts and having it with water is sublime.
Thank you. These slices, are amazing. I agree with you!
Liz
I’m totally making these soon.and hopefully will update in a few days. i love your blog Liz, keep rolling 🙂
Hi Ayesha,
Happy New Year. I hope you were able to make them. I love your blog too. Thanks for loving mine. You make me feel special. Have a fantastic 2014. Best Wishes
Liz
I always love this moment: sitting here with my cup of coffee with some time to spare to browse your newest recipes. You really have been creating some wonderful food again – these look stunning!
Hi Afra,
These are one of my favourites. Next time I would add more cashews. I really enjoyed eating them. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Wonderful 2014. Best wishes to your family!
Liz
This recipe is so interesting ! I’m not used to cook cashew nuts in desserts ! That’s a good idea ! By the way, I know your blog is already famous, but I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award, because I relay love your recipes and pictures. Hope you’ll answer my questions ! 😉 (you can see it on my blog).
Hi Sylvie,
Thanks so much for nominating me for LIebster Award. That’s very kind of you. I am truly grateful. I also love your blog and I love your visits here too! I shall check out the questions. Have a fabulous week!
Liz
You’re welcome, Liz ! I’d really like to read your answers !
Thank you Sylvie. Will try my level best. Hugs…
Liz
Delicious!
Have a wonderful week!
Giusy
Thank you, you too!
Liz
I made your very tasty recipe yesterday & my hubby, I & some friends really enjoyed it! It was all superb, Liz! xxx 🙂
Hi there Sophie,
Thanks so much for making my tasty recipe. Am glad to hear you enjoyed it with some friends. I wish you a happy blogging and a fantastic week. You’ve made my day (I’ve just woken up). Best wishes,
Liz
This sounds and looks delicious. My attitude is one spoonful of peanut butter for the spread/recipe and one straight to the mouth. 🙂
Ha ha,
that sounds hilarious. I’m glad am not alone. Have a wonderful week and thanks for making me smile on a Monday morning. I love you visits!
Liz
Hello, Liz! How are things up there in Ontario? We’ve got a little snow starting to collect on the ground. I’ve no idea how much to expect and what does it matter? Surprise me!
Love this slice, Liz. I wonder why cashews aren’t used in baked goods more than they are. They’re just about everyone’s favorite nut yet I just don’t see them used much — or I’m not paying close enough attention. They do sound great here, though, and I bet they “make” this slice. It sounds delicious! By the way, one of the great unspoken benefits of living alone is the ability to go to the fridge or pantry with spoon in hand for a snack without worry of being caught or chastised. 🙂
Hi John,
We have woken up to snow….I think i have to shovel..sigh. I am not too enthusiastic about snow this year. I don’t know why. I think as more continues to fall I will probably start getting used to it.
That slice was very delicious. The sort you can make again and again. The cashew crunch made it more interesting. You know, we always assume that nuts mean Pecan or Walnuts. I love doing the opposite and the colours blended so well. I hope it will inspire more people to use cashews!
Ha ha If only I lived alone. Oh the things I would do…thanks John for making me laugh and for always supporting this blog. Your comments are most appreciated. Hugs to dear Max. Hope the renovation got done? Enjoy the week!
Liz
These look DIVINE – cannot wait to try them. Thanks for sharing another great recipe, Liz!
Hi there Chef,
Thanks you so much. Have a lovely weekend!
Liz
Just adding a quick two cents worth Liz, these look scrumptious! Wouldn’t they be a nice addition as a dessert with a spoonful of custard or vanilla ice cream? I’m salivating over them. It’s funny, I really enjoy cashews cooked, not so much plain as bought in a bag or jar. Wonder why that is. They are lovely cooked up as a stir fry too. I’m dashing about in preparation of my big trip so haven’t been blogging much. Might do another blog post tonight if I finish another task! I’ve become a procrastinator extraordinaire!!! Maybe that comes with age. Take care and try to have a relaxing weekend. All the best.
Hi Sandy,
It’s always a pleasure to see you. I fully agree with your two cents suggestion. They would be great especially with warm homemade custard. The next time I make them, I’m going to serve them with custard for a dessert.
I also enjoy cashews in stir fries. I usually eat all the cashew first before eating the other food on the plate. Oh yes I remember some time back you talked about a trip and I was worried that I was gonna miss you for so long. When are you leaving? and back? Procrastination is not an age thing. Its a human thing so don’t worry about linking it with age. Thanks so much for always making an effort to visit. The weekend is full of games. I am heading to London,On, right now. Will be back sometime in the night. Have a lovely weekend and all the best in planning for the trip. Keep me posted.
Take care Sandy,
Liz
I love it when you are nutty Liz 😉 xox
Hi Ralph,
Thank you. Don’t you love nuts too? when are you throwing a party?…..Bon weekend a toi
Liz
O yes, I love nuts, especially the blogging ones 😉 No party for a while until my medical issues are sorted, but I am sure that there will be others to go to. And my you have a bon weekend my friend 😀
Shouldn’t it apply both ways? No going to parties….too?? I wish you a speedy recovery Ralph. You know I always wish you well. Best wishes!
Liz
I had a big party in the summer. This month I just can’t cope with all the work and organisation, but I can cope with raising a glass at other parties 😉 Thanks so much for your caring and wishes 😀
I fully understand (just pulling your leg ha ha). i would love to raise a glass at others’ parties too. Hey there friends if any of you happen to land on this message please let me know If you’re having a party. I need to raise a glass like Ralph. LOL Ralph enjoy your day!
Liz
Thanks Liz 😀 xox
Love your recipe! If you still have some cashews left – you must try Chinese chicken stir fry with Cashew nuts!
Hi there,
Yes I want to try Chinese chicken stir fry, tonight. Please swing me the recipe. I shall be waiting!
Liz
P/S I can’t find the link your website, so could not visit you….
Peanut butter is my favourite spread ever! And this chocolate slice looks so yummy! I’ve never tried cashews in baking before but it looks so good here, I’ll have to give it a try!
Hi there,
I eat, cook with and spread peanut butter over everything in site. The cashews are great for this recipe because they give a better contrast. You can’t get the same effect with walnuts or pecans. They are too dark. Have a lovely weekend.
Liz
Hola, Amiga Liz!
I love this recipe. You are SPOT ON. Chocolate and nuts always go well together. Particularly cashews. And there is never any shame in taking in a spoonful of cream nut butter (or Nutella, for that matter) in a dark corner. 😉 You know, I agree – baking is really not hard – it is easy to make baking simple and relaxing. Your recipes do just that. I will will try this recipe this week – I do need to pick up a few ingredients at the store first. I have a party for the holidays this weekend: what is the best recipe to make? Also, do you want to team up and do a monthly recipe challenge of some sort? Email me if you are interested.
You know, your recipes and photos are great – but so is your prose. I always. read. every. word. You have a clear and true voice. Keep it up.
Warmest regards,
Shanna
Hey Shanna,
Thank you for loving this recipe. Ha ha I’m glad there are people out there who eat spoonfuls of peanut butter even at midnight…There are quite a few recipes I want to try from your blog starting with the Pecan Pumpkin Pie. (times are busy I’ve just picked the boy from late practice (10 pm…). He ate a snack and went straight to bed, We have games from tomorrow night to Sunday. I may be able to join the recipe challenge in the new year.What are you planning to make for the party?
Thanks so much for all the kind words. You make me feel so honoured. Wish you a happy Friday and a fabulous weekend. Thanks also for your friendship. Take care. Best…Liz
I have marked it.
Hi Sonal,
Thank you for marking. Best wishes!
Liz
This is gorgeous 🙂
Hi again, Sonal,
Thank you, again. Enjoy Friday. Best wishes!
Liz
I’d feast on the edge trimmings! ;->
Hi Dorrie Anne,
I ate them all, before anybody could come by. I love crunchy things. I hope both of you are doing great. Have a lovely evening!
Liz
Crunchy is my middle name!
Ha ha, it’s my first one. I also eat Crunchie the chocolate. It has a lovely crunch. Ha ha!
Liz
Isn’t if funny. I used to have to wear orthodontic plates growing up so peanut butter was a definite no, no! Still is. Can’t stand the texture. And yet I love all nuts. Must pop in to the 7 desserts for lazy bakers. Sounds like my sort of club!
Hi Johny,
I totally agree. Peanut butter can be sticky and irritating to the palate. I usually prefer the chunky one but there are times when I actually prefer the smooth irritating one. Funny eh? I am a lifelong member of the lazy bakers (LOL). Have a wonderful weekend!
Liz
This looks fabulous, dark chocolate, nuts and peanut butter! Wow, I’m ready! While I love nice, easy lazy recipes, given the time I do like complicated ones too. That being said, with three little boys there isn’t much time for those recipes anymore! A spoon of peanut butter, yes please. When I was pregnant with all the boys I would eat peanut butter by the spoon a couple times a day, my excuse being it was protein! I still like to have a spoon now and then, though I usually make my peanut butter now. Store bought just doesn’t compare anymore, especially since I discovered making different flavors of peanut butter. Heck, my husband sometimes wakes up hungry in the middle of the night and goes downstairs for a snack. When he comes back to bed I can smell the peanut butter!
Hi Mama D,
You’ve left me cracking up…I enjoyed reading this message very much. You got it right, Life has become so busy, There so many things I used to do that I just don’t bother with anymore. I bother with things that have high priority for me. On the contrary, when I was pregnant I used to eat ice cubes. I would just sit with a plate full of ice cubes and crush them with my teeth 24/7. They tasted so nice…Its amazing the craving women have.
Where do you get the nuts for making peanut butter? Do they have to be special? Please let me know. I would like to try and make mine too. A spoonful of peanut butter is a great midnight snack, except everybody can smell it. Thanks so much for making me laugh. Have a good night and a wonderful weekend!
Liz
I just use regular salted peanuts. You could use unsalted and if desired add salt to the peanut butter. I also like to add some honey roasted peanuts too, though you could just as easily add a little honey. Happy peanut butter making! So simple and so yummy!
Thanks so much for the tip. I shall make myself some super nutty peanut butter. Yum. I can’t wait to sit in a corner with a spoon. It’s called tasting time. Have a lovely week! Best wishes
Liz
Enjoy your peanut butter!
Thank you!
I LOVE cashews! Especially with chocolate. I think you’ve read my mind. Plus the lazy baker club, I’m pretty sure I have a recurring membership. Ha! I’m gonna make this.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for making me laugh…I had such a rough day today. I love Cashews too, and I am a Life Member of the Lazy Bakers Club. Happy baking and thanks for popping in. Have a lovely weekend.
Liz