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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the bars evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter to add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Spread Batter in Pan: Grease a baking pan and spread the batter evenly inside, smoothing the surface to ensure uniform thickness and baking.
- 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.
- 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
