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Maple Walnut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 105 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/maple-walnut-bars-recipe/