Chocolate Truffle Bars

These bars are so yummy. Imagine a light shortbread like base topped with a rich, dense chocolate truffle layer and then toasted nuts to push these bars over the top. I used toasted pecans this time but I am sure walnuts would be equally as good.

If you do not like nuts, I bet chopped candy bars like Heath or Butterfingers would be good as well. Maybe for the Holidays topping with some crushed peppermint with a hint of peppermint extract in the chocolate truffle layer.

I would suggest storing these in the fridge and taking out just before serving as the chocolatey layer is soft at room temperature, but still so delicious. Because these are rich and decadent, a little goes a long way making them perfect for Bridal and Baby showers when cut into small pieces and served in mini cupcake liners.

I rate these bars an 8

Chocolate Truffle Bars
from Cuisine at Home Cookbook
1 cup flour
6 TBS butter (cold)
3 TBS brown sugar
1/2 tsp salt

1 cup Semisweet Chocolate (6oz)
6 TBS light corn syrup
1/4 cup sugar
1 TBS butter
1 TBS cocoa powder
1 tsp espresso powder or instant coffee granuales
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 TBS vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups toaste nuts, coarsely chopped (walnuts or pecans)
Powdered sugar (Optional for dusting bars before serving)

Preheat oven to 350.
Once preheated, spread nuts onto baking sheet and bake until fragrant, or about 10 minutes, stri every 5 minutes for even toasting. Remove and allow to cool.

Line a 9 inch square pan with foil and spray with PAM.
In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, butter, brown sugar and salt. Use a pastry blender to mix ingredients until throroughly mixed and dough is dry and sandy.
Sprinkle sandy crust mixture into prepared pan and press to cover evenly. Bake in oven for 15 minutes or until golden. Cool completely. (can turn oven off until cooled)

Preheat oven to 350.
In a heavy sauce pan melt the chocolate, corn syrup, sugar, butter, cocoa, espresso powder and salt over medium heat stirring continuously until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add vanilla and stir. Evenly pour truffle mixture over cooled crust.

Sprinkle evenly with the toasted chopped nuts and lightly press nuts into batter. Bake for 15-20 minutes or just until set (center may move slightly if shaked). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Chill until ready to serve.
Before serving, cut and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.