Maple Butter Bars
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
- ⅓ 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
- ⅔ 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.
Nutrition
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