Maple Walnut Bars Recipe
Introduction
Maple Walnut Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery, spiced crust with a rich, sweet maple topping studded with crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a cozy dessert or a special snack, these bars offer a lovely balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- For the bottom layer:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch salt
- For the top layer:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- Step 2: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter and white sugar. Mix on high speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the plain flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until the dough starts to come together and clumps form, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your fingers. Make sure the layer is even and covers the entire surface.
- Step 5: Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack.
- Step 6: While the crust cools, prepare the topping by whisking together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 7: Stir in the plain flour and salt until incorporated, then fold in the roughly chopped walnuts.
- Step 8: Pour the maple walnut mixture over the cooled crust and return the pan to the oven.
- Step 9: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is set but still slightly soft in the center.
- Step 10: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping and adding to the topping.
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred for a different nutty flavor.
- Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic taste, avoiding imitation syrups.
- Line your pan with parchment paper overhanging the edges to easily lift out the bars for clean slicing.
Storage
Store maple walnut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to enjoy a soft, melty texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the crust gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Can I freeze Maple Walnut Bars?
Absolutely. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
PrintMaple Walnut Bars Recipe
These Maple Walnut Bars feature a buttery spiced crust topped with a rich, gooey maple syrup and walnut filling. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg in the base and a luscious, nutty top layer, these bars make a delightful treat for any time of day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the bottom layer
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 cup plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch salt
For the top layer
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon plain flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later. Set aside.
- Make the Crust Mixture: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and white sugar together on high speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Add the plain flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the mixture begins to come together and form clumps, about 1 more minute.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Transfer the crumbly dough to the prepared baking dish. Using your fingers, evenly press the mixture over the bottom of the pan, making sure the entire surface is covered and the layer is even. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack to cool.
- Prepare the Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and combined. Stir in the tablespoon of flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until fully incorporated. Fold in the roughly chopped walnuts evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the maple walnut topping evenly over the cooled crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top layer is set but still slightly soft in the middle and golden on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal of bars from the pan.
- Make sure to cool the base before adding the topping to prevent it from soaking and becoming soggy.
- Chop walnuts to your preferred size for texture; toasting them lightly before adding can enhance flavor.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Keywords: maple walnut bars, maple syrup dessert, nut bars, spiced crust bars, easy baked dessert
