Oh, the joy of the holiday season! There’s something truly magical about whipping up festive treats, and my Christmas Maple Walnut Bars are a must-try! They’re sweet, nutty, and filled with that warm, cozy flavor that just screams “holiday cheer!” I love how the rich maple syrup melds beautifully with the crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Trust me, when these bars are baking in the oven, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine! They’re not just a treat; they’re a little slice of Christmas spirit that you can share with friends and family. So let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a holiday favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup packed brown sugar (make sure to pack it well for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (the real stuff for that rich flavor)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter texture)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (feel free to toast them for extra crunch!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love vanilla?)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (it balances the sweetness perfectly)
How to Prepare Christmas Maple Walnut Bars
Making these Christmas Maple Walnut Bars is a delightful process that comes together quickly! First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy – this is where the magic begins! Next, pour in the maple syrup and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is combined nicely. Don’t rush this part; it’s all about creating that luscious base!
Now, gradually blend in the sifted flour and salt. I like to do this in batches to avoid a flour explosion! Once you have a thick batter, gently fold in the chopped walnuts. It’s okay if some of them fall out; just scoop them back in! Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan, making sure to push it into the corners. Bake these beauties for 25-30 minutes or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, allow them to cool in the pan before cutting into bars. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add in 1/2 cup maple syrup and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually blend in 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt until combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup chopped walnuts.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown; a toothpick should come out clean.
- Let cool in the pan, then cut into bars and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – you can whip these up in just 15 minutes!
- Festive flavor that combines sweet maple and crunchy walnuts, perfect for the holidays.
- Super easy to make, even for beginner bakers – no fancy techniques required!
- Perfect for sharing – cut them into bars and bring them to holiday gatherings.
- Versatile – they make a delightful dessert or a sweet snack any time of day.
- They store well, so you can enjoy them throughout the holiday season!
Tips for Success
To make your Christmas Maple Walnut Bars truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, if you prefer a sweeter treat, don’t hesitate to add a bit more maple syrup – it’ll enhance that lovely flavor even further. For even baking, make sure your oven is fully preheated before popping the bars in; this helps them cook evenly. If walnuts aren’t your thing, try swapping them for pecans or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist! And remember, letting the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing is key to getting clean cuts. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to the nutritional values for these Christmas Maple Walnut Bars, keep in mind that they can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect per bar:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 14g
These values are approximate and can change based on your ingredient choices, so feel free to adjust according to your dietary needs. Enjoy these delicious treats as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! If walnuts aren’t your favorite, feel free to swap them out for pecans, almonds, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist. Just keep in mind that different nuts will give a slightly different flavor and texture!
How should I store my Christmas Maple Walnut Bars?
Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to two months. Just make sure to wrap them well!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars actually taste even better the day after you bake them, as the flavors have time to meld. Make them a day or two in advance and enjoy a hassle-free dessert during your holiday festivities!
What can I serve with these bars?
These delicious bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You could also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch!
Why did my bars turn out crumbly?
If your bars are crumbly, it could be due to overbaking or not enough butter in the mixture. Keep an eye on them while they bake, and make sure to follow the measurements closely for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Maple Walnut Bars fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, you can freeze them for up to two months. Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. No need to reheat, as they’re delightful chilled! But if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Christmas Maple Walnut Bars: 5 Festive Delights to Savor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive Christmas Maple Walnut Bars.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar.
- Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Gradually blend in the flour and salt.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- These bars can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Christmas Maple Walnut Bars, holiday dessert, maple dessert