Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Featured in: Weekend Hearth-Style Treats

Enjoy soft, golden squares rich with toasted hazelnut flavor and a touch of honey’s natural sweetness. These light treats combine finely ground hazelnuts with butter, honey, and vanilla for a moist texture and delicate aroma. Baking results in a golden top scattered with toasted hazelnut pieces and a honey drizzle, offering subtle crunch and added sweetness. Perfect for a light afternoon indulgence or paired with tea or coffee, these squares require simple preparation and basic tools.

Updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 15:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, drizzled with honey, ready to eat. Save
Golden-brown Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, drizzled with honey, ready to eat. | meadowcinder.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 is a family favorite and reminds me of cozy afternoons spent sharing stories over tea.

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 softly, 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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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.
Check price on Amazon
Close-up of Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, showing the toasted hazelnut topping. Save
Close-up of Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, showing the toasted hazelnut topping. | meadowcinder.com

This cake has brought many smiles during family gatherings and makes every tea time special.

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

A plated view reveals Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, perfect for a dessert. Save
A plated view reveals Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, perfect for a dessert. | meadowcinder.com
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Enjoy these delightful cake squares fresh for best texture and flavor. Perfect for sharing or a light treat anytime.

Recipe FAQs

What makes these squares soft and moist?

The combination of softened butter, honey, and milk creates a tender, moist crumb, while the gentle mixing avoids overworking the batter.

Can I substitute hazelnuts with other nuts?

Yes, almond meal can be used as a mild alternative, maintaining texture and nutty flavor.

How do I achieve the toasted hazelnut flavor?

Lightly toasting the ground and chopped hazelnuts before adding them enhances their flavor and adds a subtle crunch on top.

What is the best way to store these squares?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep them fresh and tender.

Can I add extra richness to the batter?

Adding two tablespoons of sour cream to the batter will result in an even softer texture and richer taste.

Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Soft golden squares with toasted hazelnuts and delicate honey sweetness, ideal for afternoon enjoyment.

Time to prep
15 minutes
Time to cook
25 minutes
Time needed
40 minutes
Author Lily Harris


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine European

Makes 16 Portions

Diet info Vegetarian-friendly

What You Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup finely ground toasted hazelnuts
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 toasted chopped hazelnuts
02 2 tablespoons honey for drizzling

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground hazelnuts, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.

Step 05

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

Step 06

Transfer Batter and Add Topping: Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts evenly over the surface.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Cool and Drizzle: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using parchment overhang and transfer to wire rack. Drizzle remaining honey while warm.

Step 09

Serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into 16 squares and serving.

Tools Needed

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

Allergy warnings

Scan all components for allergens and seek medical advice if unsure.
  • Contains nuts (hazelnuts), eggs, dairy (milk, butter), and gluten (wheat).

Nutrition breakdown (one portion)

For informational use only. Not a substitute for healthcare advice.
  • Calorie count: 155
  • Fat content: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 19 grams
  • Protein amount: 3 grams