Maple Brown Sugar Bars: A Delightful Treat
Description
Experience the rich, warm flavors of maple in these delightful Maple Brown Sugar Bars, which bear a striking resemblance to butterscotch brownies but with their own unique twist. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, these bars are incredibly simple to make, requiring only one bowl to minimize cleanup. Just imagine the comforting aroma wafting through your home as they bake, inviting everyone to indulge in a sweet moment.
Recipe Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Maple Brown Sugar Bars |
| Category | Bar Cookie |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Servings | 16 bars |
| Aggregated Rating | 4.0 (1 review) |
| Keywords | Dessert, Cookie & Brownie, < 60 Mins, For Large Groups |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 216.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 41.7 mg |
| Sodium | 56.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26.7 g |
| Fiber | 0.8 g |
| Sugars | 16.8 g |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 1/4 cups | brown sugar |
| 1/2 cup | butter (softened) |
| 1 1/2 | eggs |
| 2 cups | all-purpose flour |
| 1 1/2 cups | walnuts (chopped) |
Instructions
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Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius), ensuring it is perfectly heated for optimal baking.
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Prepare your pan: Grease a 9-inch by 9-inch square baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, which will help prevent the bars from sticking and make for easy removal once they are baked.
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Combine sugar and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and softened butter. Use a wooden spoon or electric mixer to mix these ingredients together until they are well blended, forming a creamy mixture that looks fluffy and inviting.
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Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs into the mixture, adding them one at a time. This allows each egg to fully integrate before the next is introduced, ensuring a smooth batter.
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Mix in flavoring: At this stage, you can add in your desired flavoring—this could be a splash of pure maple extract or vanilla extract, depending on your preference. Stir well to combine and enhance the flavor profile of your bars.
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Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold the flour in gently, being careful not to overmix. This is also the time to add any additional mix-ins, except for the nuts.
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Fold in walnuts: Once the flour is well incorporated and the batter is smooth, gently fold in the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter for delightful crunch in every bite.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on the bars as they bake; you want to take them out when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out nearly clean but still has a few moist crumbs attached. Aim for around 35 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking.
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Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. For easier cutting and to minimize breaking of the caramelized crust, cut the bars while they are still slightly warm. This method will also help to maintain the soft texture of the bars.
Indulge in these Maple Brown Sugar Bars, which encapsulate the cozy flavors of maple while being a breeze to prepare. Their unique taste and delightful texture make them a hit at any gathering, ensuring your guests will come back for seconds. Enjoy them as a dessert or an afternoon snack with a warm cup of coffee or tea—there’s truly no wrong time to savor these bars!
