Maple Syrup Bars – #FilltheCookieJar

It’s time to Fill the Cookie Jar! The theme of this month’s challenge was cookies that remind you of spring or Easter. I decided to go with Maple Syrup Bars. I know you’re wondering why I chose these when maple is more of a fall flavor, but the first signs of spring in eastern Pennsylvania are always the plastic jugs hanging from maple trees. I remember going on a field trip to one of our local parks to learn all about maple syrup magic. It was so interesting to how you can take the sap from a maple tree boil it down in an evaporator to make syrup. There’s nothing like fresh maple syrup from local trees!

So back to these bars, they’re gooey, sticky and so good! They remind me a little of pecan pie, the walnuts rise to the top and in between the top and the crust is this delicious filling.

For the crust:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 cup flour

For the topping:
1 cup real maple syrup
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 eggs
2 Tbsp flour
pinch of salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the crust ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

For the topping, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar and walnuts in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and allow to cook for 5 minutes. Removed from the heat and stir in the butter until it is melted.

Beat the eggs, flour and pinch of salt until the mixture is completely smooth. Pour the egg mixture into the maple syrup mixture and stir to combine. Pour this over the crust and return to the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The top of the bars should be set. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Source: Simple Stacie

Click on the link below to see all the recipes for this month’s Fill the Cookie Jar!