Christmas Maple Walnut Bars: 5 Festive Delights to Savor Recipe

Introduction

These Christmas Maple Walnut Bars offer a perfect balance of rich maple flavor and crunchy walnuts, making them a festive treat for the holiday season. With a buttery base and a hint of vanilla, they’re easy to make and delightfully satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mixture and mix well.
4. Step 4: Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Fold the chopped walnuts gently into the dough.
6. Step 6: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely, then cut them into squares.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before folding them into the batter.
• Substitute pecans for walnuts for a different nutty twist.
• Drizzle melted dark chocolate over cooled bars for a festive finish.
• Use pure maple syrup for the best authentic flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slightly before serving to refresh the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes, pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts are great alternatives that pair well with the maple flavor.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Christmas Maple Walnut Bars: 5 Festive Delights to Savor Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 137 reviews

• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these Christmas Maple Walnut Bars, a festive treat combining the rich sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar with crunchy walnuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars offer a buttery, tender crumb and a hint of vanilla, baked to golden perfection for a delicious seasonal snack or dessert.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Add-ins

• 1 cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
3. Add Maple Syrup and Vanilla: Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the bar mixture with rich, sweet flavors and aromatic notes.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, mixing carefully to form a consistent batter without overworking it.
5. Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
6. Spread Batter in Pan: Grease a baking pan and spread the batter evenly inside, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform thickness and baking.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the bars turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
8. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing them into squares or rectangles for serving.

Notes

• Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and balance sweetness.
• Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for best creaming results.
• Chopped walnuts can be toasted beforehand for extra flavor.
• Letting the bars cool fully before cutting prevents crumbling.
• Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas dessert, maple walnut bars, holiday treats, baked bars, festive snacks