Seasonal Maple Bars Delight (Printable Version)
Soft bars flavored with pure maple syrup and finished with a smooth maple glaze, perfect for a sweet autumn treat.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bars
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
05 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Maple Glaze
12 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
14 - 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
15 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
03 - Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in maple syrup and vanilla extract until incorporated.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
05 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
06 - Evenly spread batter into the prepared pan.
07 - Bake bars for 22 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking.
08 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan placed on a wire rack.
09 - In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, 1 tablespoon milk or cream, and salt until smooth. Add more milk if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
10 - Drizzle or spread glaze evenly over cooled bars and let set before slicing into squares.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This tender, cake-like bar carries the genuine essence of pure maple syrup which feels like sharing a secret autumn delight with a close friend
- The luscious maple glaze on top adds that perfect balance of sweetness without overwhelming, making it an instant family favorite
02 -
- Don&t overbake or your bars will lose their tender, cake-like texture; the moment a toothpick comes out clean is perfect.
- Using real pure maple syrup, not imitation, changes the depth and authenticity of flavor dramatically.
03 -
- Let the batter come to room temperature so the ingredients meld more smoothly for a finer crumb
- Patience on cooling before glazing ensures the glaze sets beautifully without melting into the bars