Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Featured in: Soft Warm Bakes & Savory Treats

These soft and golden cake squares blend lightly toasted hazelnuts with mild honey to create a delicately sweet treat. The batter, made smooth by a mixture of butter, eggs, and milk, is topped with chopped hazelnuts for a pleasing crunch. Baked until golden and drizzled with honey while warm, they offer a balanced flavor perfect for afternoon tea or a satisfying light dessert. Easy to prepare and yielding sixteen squares, they store well and can be adapted with almond meal or sour cream for texture variations.

Updated on Mon, 08 Dec 2025 08:38:00 GMT
Golden Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares glistening with drizzled honey and toasted nuts. Save to Pinterest
Golden Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares glistening with drizzled honey and toasted nuts. | olivefrost.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 quickly became a favorite for its moist texture and unique nutty taste in my household.

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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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
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Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.
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Save to Pinterest
| olivefrost.com

A family favorite perfect for sharing during afternoon tea or small gatherings.

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.

Warm, inviting shot showing fresh baked Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, ready to serve and enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Warm, inviting shot showing fresh baked Light Sweet Hazel Treats: Hazelnut and Honey Cake Squares, ready to serve and enjoy. | olivefrost.com
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These hazelnut and honey cake squares provide a simple yet delightful treat that everyone will enjoy.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute hazelnuts with another nut?

Yes, almond meal can be used as an alternative to ground hazelnuts for a similar texture and mild nutty flavor.

How do I achieve a softer texture in these squares?

Adding two tablespoons of sour cream to the batter enhances moisture, making the cake squares softer.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 22 to 25 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

How should these squares be stored?

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

Are these squares suitable for tea time?

Yes, their light sweetness and nutty flavor make them a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.

Light Sweet Hazel Treats

Golden cake squares with toasted hazelnuts and honey, perfect for a sweet, light bite.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
25 minutes
Overall Duration
40 minutes
Recipe by Natalie Wilson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type European

Serves 16 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You 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 Steps

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 removal.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Cream Butter, Honey and Sugar: Beat softened butter, honey, and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Fill Pan and Add Topping: Spread batter evenly into prepared pan. Sprinkle chopped toasted hazelnuts over the surface.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Serve: Cool completely, then 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

Be sure to check ingredients for allergens and ask your doctor if you’re not sure.
  • Contains nuts (hazelnuts), eggs, dairy, and gluten (wheat).

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Intended only for informational use, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 19 g
  • Proteins: 3 g