Maple butter bars are simple but irresistible buttery cake bars subtly sweetened with real maple syrup.

a stack of maple butter bars on a platter

Sometimes simple really is best, and these maple butter bars are the perfect example. They don’t look like much and they are likely one of the least fanciest things I’ve ever baked. But I promise you, they are so good!

I like to say these are the lemon bars of fall— with a hint of cinnamon, lots of real maple syrup, and a rich buttery flavor and texture. They can be made ahead so they’re perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, but they’re also easy enough to satisfy a weeknight sweet craving.

So let’s get baking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Butter
  • Real maple syrup (please don’t use the fake stuff!)
  • Half and half
  • Egg
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Powdered sugar

slicing maple butter bars on a cutting board

How to Make Maple Butter Bars

  1. Prepare the crust. Combine dry ingredients, add butter, and use a pastry blender to make a crumbly dough.
  2. Bake crust. Press dough into a 9-inch square pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Prepare the filling. Use an electric mixer to combine butter and sugar, then add egg and maple syrup. Add flour, alternating with the half and half and mix until smooth.
  4. Bake bars. Pour filling on top of crust and bake until the center is barely firm when gently shaken, about 35 minutes.
  5. Cool completely. For best results, let these bars cool completely before slicing.
  6. Dust with powdered sugar and serve. Remove bars from the pan using the parchment as a sling and dust with powdered sugar. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How to Make this Recipe Ahead

These maple butter bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for several months.

If storing in the fridge, keep in an airtight container. If freezing, do not slice or dust with powdered sugar and wrap well in 2 layers of plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, let thaw overnight in the fridge, then slice and dust with powdered sugar.

a stack of maple butter bars on a platter

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This recipe was originally published October 2017.

a stack of maple butter bars on a platter
4.46 from 11 reviews

Maple Butter Bars

Servings: 16 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Simple buttery cake bars subtly sweetened with real maple syrup.

Ingredients
 

For the crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • cup unsalted butter , cold and cubed (75 grams)

For the filling:

  • ¾ cup unsalted butter , softened to room temperature (170 grams)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • 1 large egg
  • cup pure maple syrup (205 grams)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • ½ cup half and half (125 ml)

Topping (optional):

  • Powdered sugar , for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or greased foil.
  • To make the crust, combine flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add butter and cut into dry ingredients with a fork or pastry blender.
  • Press into the prepared pan and bake for 5-7 minutes until set, but before it starts to turn brown.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachments, or in a large bowl with a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and sugar on high until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add egg, followed by maple syrup. Add the flour in 2 additions, alternating with the half and half. Mixer may appear curdled, that's okay.
  • Pour mixture on top of crust. Bake until the center is barely firm when gently shaken, about 35 minutes.
  • For best results, cool completely before slicing (I even like to chill it in the fridge for a bit for nice clean slices). Dust with powdered sugar and serve.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for several days.

Notes

Note: For best results use real maple syrup.
Adapted from the Better Homes and Gardens 2017 Fall Baking Magazine.
Calories: 262kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 10mg, Potassium: 63mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 426IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Annalise
Have you tried this recipe?I’d love to hear about it! Leave a rating and review below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram @completelydelicious with #completelydelicious.

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