Kariokes – Greek Walnut Filled Chocolates

Kariokes – Greek Walnut Filled Chocolates

Kariokes are rich crescent shaped chocolates, filled with walnuts. They make a perfect treat if you have leftover cake or cookies.

What is Kariokes?

Kariokes are small sized chocolates filled with walnuts and shaped like crescents. They originated from Northern Greece and specifically the city of Xanthi. There are many variations of this dessert depending on the region in which they are made. All recipes include walnuts and ground cloves. We serve kariokes in a big tray wrapped in foil during celebrations. No plate or fork needed. Traditionally, we make kariokes during or after holiday season using leftover cake or cookies. Instead of disposing those hard Christmas cookies or dry cake, you can repurpose them and enjoy a decadent treat. They are ridiculously easy to make yet so packed with rich, chocolaty flavor.

Closeup photo of kariokes made with leftover cake/cookies and topped with walnut halves.

Ingredients for Kariokes:

How to Make Kariokes:

In a large bowl mix all ingredients together until fully combined. Shape the mixture into a log, wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until nice and firm. Slice the chilled log into slices and dip them into the melted chocolate. Let kariokes chill at room temperature and serve as they are or wrap them halfway with aluminum foil.

What kind of Leftover Cake/Cookies to use?

In general, leftover Vasilopita cake or Melomakarona cookies are my go to desserts to use for kariokes. However, any vanilla or chocolate based cake will work excellently. Avoid frosted cakes as they will make kariokes too sweet. When it comes to cookies, I have used chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon cookies and shortbread cookies. The options are endless.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions:

Kariokes will keep fresh refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. You may freeze kariokes in food freezer safe bags separated with parchment paper for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight before serving.

Kariokes are such a smart way to repurpose leftover cake/cookies and create a beautifully spiced and chocolaty dessert. They come together in just 20 minutes and it is a one-bowl recipe, meaning minimum amount of things to wash after you finish! If you give this recipe a try, leave us a review below. Happy baking!

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More Recipes to Try:

Photo of kariokes in different positions on a marble wooden tray.

Kariokes – Greek Walnut Filled Chocolates

Christianna | Siftnwhisk
Kariokes are rich crescent shaped chocolates, filled with walnuts. They make a perfect treat if you have leftover cake or cookies.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Greek
Servings 16
Calories 371 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup Walnuts coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups Leftover Cake/Cookie Crumbs
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted and slightly cold
  • 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 tbsp Cognac or Brandy
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 8 oz Dark Chocolate Bar

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl add the coarsely chopped walnuts and leftover cake/cookies crumbs.
    1 cup Walnuts, 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
  • Pour the melted butter, sweetened condensed milk, ground cinnamon, ground cloves and salt.
    1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, 1/2 cup Sweetened Condensed Milk, 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Ground Cloves, 1/4 tsp Salt
  • Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cognac and honey and stir all together until each ingredient is fully incorporated.
    2 tbsp Unsweetened Cocoa Powder, 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract, 1 tbsp Cognac, 1 tbsp Honey
  • Spread the mixture lengthwise on a piece of plastic wrap.
  • Wrap into a log, using plastic wrap. Twist the edges tightly to secure the filling.
  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until nice and firm or freeze for an hour.
  • Remove from refrigerator/freezer and slice into 1 inch pieces.
    Photo of the chilled log cut into 1 inch slices.
  • Chop the dark chocolate bar in small pieces and melt over a double boiler or microwave in a microwave safe bowl in 30 seconds intervals stirring each time.
  • Transfer melted dark chocolate into a medium bowl and allow to chill for a few minutes.
    8 oz Dark Chocolate Bar
  • Dip the sliced pieces into the melted dark chocolate covering all sides. Use two forks to shake the excess chocolate off.
  • Transfer on a piece parchment paper and let them completely dry. You can top kariokes with walnut halves for a fancier look.
  • Serve on a tray. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The recipe works exactly the same with any store bought cookies or cake.
  • If the cake you use is really moist the mixture might not solidified well. To avoid this, pop the cake inside the oven for a few minutes to dry.
  • You can substitute walnuts for any other nut of your choice or omit them in case of allergy.
  • Do not pulse cookies/cake finely as this will result to a thin mixture.
  • You can also use white chocolate to top kariokes.
  • If you don’t have sweetened condensed milk handy you can use the same quantity of evaporated milk mixed with 1/2 cup of sugar.
  • How to melt chocolate over double boiler: Fill the bottom of a saucepan with water and place on low heat. Place the bowl with chopped chocolate on top of the saucepan and allow it to melt uncovered. When the chocolate looks shiny, start stirring using a heat proof spatula.
  • Use two forks or tongs to help you dip kariokes in the melted chocolate.
  • The calories have been calculated using leftover cinnamon cookies. If you use leftover cake or other type of cookies the nutrition facts will be different.
  • Make Ahead & Storage Instructions: Kariokes will keep fresh refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
  • You may freeze kariokes in food freezer safe bags separated with parchment paper for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight before serving.
  • Have any questions about the recipe or want to ask for substitutions? Please contact us.

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 208mgPotassium: 212mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 236IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 3mg
Keyword dark chocolate, leftover cake, leftover cookies, no-bake dessert, no-mixer, unsweetened cocoa powder, walnuts
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!


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