I could say that I make this type of treat because it's the summer and it's a no-bake treat, but the truth is, I love this type of tiny confectionery. I truly do. So regardless of the season, time of day, heat wave or cold front, I will make them and I will love them.
And it is fascinating how early in life preferences form, because this type of two-bite dessert is something I've loved ever since I was a very young child, possibly as young as 3yo. So you can imagine the absolute joy when my child self realised she can make them herself.
There is so much joy in being able to create by yourself that which makes you happy ♡
And these indeed make me happy. Full of vegan white chocolate, cinnamon, and walnuts, they are absolutely perfect for a tea-time treat. Or a coffee-time treat... Or anytime treat, if I am being honest. There is no wrong time to enjoy sitni kolači.
Ingredients
For the walnut bars
50 millilitres soy milk50 grams granulated sugar
90 grams vegan block butter
60 grams vegan white chocolate
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
70 grams toasted walnuts, finely ground
100 grams vegan vanilla biscuits, finely ground
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
30 grams soy milk powder
For the glaze
40 grams vegan white chocolate10 millilitres neutral oil
Preparation
Start by lining a small rectangle cake pan or a cake form (10x10 cm) with baking parchment and set aside. Pour the soy milk into a heavy pot, add in the sugar, diced vegan butter, vanilla, and chopped white chocolate, and place it over medium heat. Let everything melt together slowly, without coming to a boil.
Once ready, remove it from the heat and add in the cinnamon, soy milk powder and the ground walnuts. Mix thoroughly, and then add in the ground biscuits. Mix very well and transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Level it nicely and place it into the refrigerator for about an hour, so it can firm up.
Once firm, make the white chocolate glaze. Melt together the chopped vegan white chocolate and the neutral oil, either in the microwave or on the lowest heat, and working quickly, glaze the chilled bars. As they are cold, the glaze will start to set almost immediately. Return to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours more, so the bars can firm up all the way through.
Serve with freshly pulled espresso and some more chopped walnuts, if desired. Yields 8 modest servings.
