Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Featured in: Light Sweet Crumb Treats

These light, golden squares combine finely ground toasted hazelnuts with mild honey to create a soft, flavorful treat. A delicate balance of sweetness and nuttiness, enhanced by a honey drizzle and chopped hazelnut topping, makes them ideal for afternoon tea or a light dessert. The batter blends softened butter, eggs, and vanilla smoothly with dry ingredients and milk, baked to a golden finish. Easy to prepare and full of warm European flavor notes, these squares offer a pleasing texture and rich taste in every bite.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:03:00 GMT
Golden, sliced Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares drizzled with glistening honey. Save
Golden, sliced Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares drizzled with glistening honey. | junipercrumb.com

Soft, golden cake squares with the rich flavor of toasted hazelnuts and the delicate sweetness of honey. Perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert.

I first served these hazelnut and honey cake squares at a family gathering, and they disappeared quickly thanks to their perfect balance of flavors.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely ground hazelnuts (lightly toasted), 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • Wet Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter softened, 1/2 cup (120 ml) mild honey, 1/3 cup (70 g) granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temperature, 1/3 cup (80 ml) whole milk, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Topping: 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped hazelnuts toasted, 2 tbsp honey (for drizzling)

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2:
In a medium bowl whisk together flour ground hazelnuts baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 3:
In a large mixing bowl cream the softened butter honey and sugar together until light and fluffy about 2 3 minutes.
Step 4:
Beat in the eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 5:
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture mixing until just combined. Pour in the milk mix gently then add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix until smooth do not overmix.
Step 6:
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chopped toasted hazelnuts over the top.
Step 7:
Bake for 22 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
Step 8:
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then lift out and transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle the cake with the remaining honey while still slightly warm.
Step 9:
Once completely cool cut into 16 squares and serve.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
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| junipercrumb.com

Enjoy these treats freshly baked with family over tea or coffee, creating warm and cozy moments.

Required Tools

8-inch (20 cm) square baking pan Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Measuring cups and spoons Rubber spatula Parchment paper Wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains nuts (hazelnuts) eggs milk (dairy) and gluten (wheat) If allergies are present substitute nuts and flour with safe alternatives Always double-check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 155 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 19 g Protein 3 g per serving

Close-up of baked Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, warm and dusted with nuts. Save
Close-up of baked Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, warm and dusted with nuts. | junipercrumb.com
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These hazelnut and honey squares are an easy elegant treat that will delight your guests and family alike.

Your Questions Answered

Can I substitute almond meal for hazelnuts?

Yes, almond meal can be used instead of hazelnuts to alter the nutty flavor while maintaining texture and moisture.

How can I make the squares softer?

Adding 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the batter helps achieve a moister and softer texture.

What is the best way to toast hazelnuts?

Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant.

How should the squares be stored?

Store the squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Can these squares be served warm or cold?

They are delicious both warm, with honey drizzle, or cooled to enjoy their full flavor and texture.

Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Soft, golden squares with toasted hazelnuts and subtle honey sweetness, perfect for afternoon tea or desserts.

Time to Prep
15 mins
Time to Cook
25 mins
Overall Time
40 mins
Created by Brooke Taylor


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 16 Portions

Diet Info Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup finely ground hazelnuts, lightly toasted
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup mild honey
03 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 2 large eggs, room temperature
05 1/3 cup whole milk
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

01 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted
02 2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

Cream Butter and Sweeteners: In a large bowl, cream softened butter, honey, and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined. Pour in milk and mix gently. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill Pan and Add Topping: Spread batter evenly into prepared pan, then sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts on top.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.

Step 08

Cool and Drizzle Honey: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to wire rack. Drizzle remaining honey over slightly warm cake.

Step 09

Serve: Once completely cooled, cut into 16 squares and serve.

Tools Needed

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire cooling rack

Allergy Warning

Double-check the ingredient list for allergens, and ask your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains nuts (hazelnuts), eggs, dairy (milk, butter), and gluten (wheat).

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional details are for informational purposes only, and not a substitute for medical guidance.
  • Total Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 3 g