I still have lots of pure maple syrup in my cupboard (gifts from “snowbirds”) so I thought I’d give this recipe a try. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love the chewy, gooey, texture and the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup. Copious amounts of walnuts add to the scrumptiousness. You’ll only need a little slice (with a mini scoop of vanilla ice cream) to satisfy that sweet tooth.
I bought the maple sugar at Mana Foods market not knowing what I would use it for. It sat in the cupboard for a while, until I saw this recipe. Maple syrup plus maple sugar? What’s not to like?!
Saveur magazine mentions that these dessert squares are known as Carré Érable et Noix in Quebec, where they pour fresh cream over the top before serving. Simply decadent!
Maple Squares with Walnuts
Saveur Magazine
Serves 8 – 10
Ingredients
8 tablespoons (1 stick) Earth Balance Buttery Sticks (or unsalted butter), cubed and chilled, plus more for the pan
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, plus more for the pan
1/4 cup plus 2/3 cup maple sugar
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Preparation
Heat oven to 350°. Butter and flour an 8-inch square baking pan; set aside.
In a food processor, process butter, 1 cup flour, and 1/4 cup maple sugar until combined; transfer to pan and press evenly into bottom. Bake until lightly browned, about 18 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Whisk remaining flour and maple sugar with maple syrup, walnuts, salt, and eggs in a bowl. Pour over baked crust. Bake until filling is golden brown and set, about 30 – 35 minutes. Let cool completely before serving.