This walnut maple bar recipe is as unique as it is flavorful. Maple syrup and brown sugar, with cream cheese icing, is a great taste combination.

 

Ingredients

Bars:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened>BR> 1 cup pure maple sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 ounces walnuts, chopped (about 1 cup)

Maple Frosting:
1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Walnut halves

Hardware
Whisk
Spatula
Medium bowl
Large bowl
8×8 inch baking pan
Mixer

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan.

Make Bars:
Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, blend sugar and butter to form a grainy paste, scraping down side of bowl as needed.
Step 3: Add maple syrup, egg and vanilla. Beat at medium speed until smooth
Step 4: Add flour mixture and walnuts, and blend at low speed until just combined.
Step 5: Pour batter into prepared baking pan and smooth with spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 30-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool completely before icing.

Make Frosting:
Step 1: In a medium bowl, cream together cheese and butter with an electric mixer on high speed.
Step 2: Add brown sugar and maple syrup, and beat until smooth.
Step 3: Reduce mixer speed and add powdered sugar. Once sugar is incorporated increase to high speed, mix until smooth. If frosting appears thin, gradually add powdered sugar until frosting thickens.
Step 4: Using a spatula spread frosting evenly on top of bars. Top each bar with walnut half.

The walnut maple bar recipe makes 20 bars.

Tags: Walnut Maple Bar