Maple Walnut Bars Recipe

Introduction

Maple Walnut Bars are a delightful treat combining a buttery crust with a rich, maple-flavored filling loaded with crunchy walnuts. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a simple dessert, these bars offer a wonderful balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 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. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line an 8 x 8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, then set it aside.
2. Step 2: In an electric mixer bowl, cream together the butter and white granulated sugar on high speed until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the plain flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Mix until the ingredients start to come together into clumps, about 1 minute.
4. Step 4: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish using your fingers, covering the entire surface. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden and set, then remove from oven and cool on a rack.
5. Step 5: In a clean bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, plain flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt on high speed until the mixture is light and foamy, about 2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Evenly sprinkle the roughly chopped walnuts over the cooled crust. Pour the prepared filling mixture over the walnuts and crust.
7. Step 7: Bake the bars for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a rack.
8. Step 8: Once cool, lift the bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the filling.
• Substitute pecans or pecan halves for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
• Try using pure Canadian maple syrup for a more authentic and rich maple taste.

Storage

Store the Maple Walnut Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy them warm, reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until just warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Can these bars be frozen?

Yes, we recommend freezing the bars in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Maple Walnut Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

These Maple Walnut Bars feature a buttery, spiced crust topped with a rich, maple-sweetened filling studded with crunchy walnuts. Perfect as a sweet treat or dessert, they balance warm autumnal spices with the natural sweetness of maple syrup for a deliciously comforting snack.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust

• 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 Filling

• 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 baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8 x 8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Set aside for later use.
2. Make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and white sugar on high speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix again until the mixture starts to clump and comes together, about 1 minute.
3. Press crust into the pan: Pour the crumbly crust mixture into your prepared baking dish. Using your fingers, press it evenly and firmly over the bottom of the pan, ensuring a uniform layer covering the entire surface.
4. Bake the crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
5. Prepare the filling: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt on high speed until the mixture is light and foamy, about 2 minutes.
6. Add walnuts and pour filling: Evenly sprinkle the roughly chopped walnuts over the cooled crust base. Pour the prepared filling mixture over the walnuts, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake the bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is fully set and no longer jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Slice and store: Once fully cooled, carefully lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal squares. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

• Make sure to cool the crust completely before adding the filling to prevent it from mixing into the filling.
• Store bars chilled to maintain freshness and texture.
• For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the bars.
• You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
• Ensure the filling is fully set before removing from oven to avoid undercooked bars.

Keywords: maple walnut bars, maple syrup dessert, nut bars, autumn dessert, walnut bars