Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Featured in: Weekend Pecan-Style Treats & Snacks

These soft, golden squares combine the rich, nutty flavor of toasted hazelnuts with the gentle sweetness of honey. The batter is made by blending creamed butter, honey, and sugar with finely ground hazelnuts and flour, then baked until golden. Topped with chopped hazelnuts and a honey drizzle, they make an inviting treat perfect for afternoon tea or a light dessert. Simple to prepare and quick to bake, they yield 16 moist, flavorful squares with a tender crumb and crunchy nut topping.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 13:16:00 GMT
Golden toasted hazelnuts topping Light Sweet Hazel Treats, ready to cut and enjoy with your coffee. Save to Pinterest
Golden toasted hazelnuts topping Light Sweet Hazel Treats, ready to cut and enjoy with your coffee. | pecanthyme.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.

This cake has quickly become a family favorite whenever we gather for afternoon tea—it’s both light and satisfying.

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 23 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 2225 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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Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
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Boil water quickly for tea, coffee, instant soups, and faster prep when cooking grains or noodles.
Check price on Amazon
Save to Pinterest
| pecanthyme.com

This treat brings smiles around our table and warms hearts with every bite.

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 eggs milk and gluten 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, showing a soft texture and drizzled honey's shine. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of baked Light Sweet Hazel Treats, showing a soft texture and drizzled honey's shine. | pecanthyme.com
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A perfect blend of nutty and sweet that’s simple to make and delightful to share.

Your Questions Answered

Can I substitute almond meal for hazelnuts?

Yes, almond meal can be used as a substitute for hazelnuts to provide a similar texture and mild nutty flavor.

How can I make the cake squares softer?

Adding 2 tablespoons of sour cream to the batter will increase moisture and softness in the final product.

What is the best way to toast hazelnuts?

Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

How should I store the cake squares?

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

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

For best results, prepare and bake the batter immediately. Storing batter may affect texture and rise.

Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Soft cake squares with toasted hazelnuts and honey, ideal for a light and sweet treat any time.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
25 min
Total Duration
40 min
Author: Ethan Ward


Skill Easy

Cuisine European

Portions 16 Portion Size

Dietary Notes Vegetarian-Friendly

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 baking 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, honey, and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, honey, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and blend until just combined. Pour in milk, mix gently, then add remaining dry ingredients and mix until smooth without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill pan and add topping: Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts over the top.

Step 07

Bake the cake squares: Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the surface is golden.

Step 08

Cool and drizzle honey: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle with remaining honey while still warm.

Step 09

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

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Please check every ingredient for allergens and talk to a healthcare provider with any concerns.
  • Contains nuts (hazelnuts), eggs, milk, and gluten (wheat)

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference and doesn't replace a professional's advice.
  • Caloric Value: 155
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 3 g