Chocolate Maple Nut Bars

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars Recipe - Delicious and Easy to Make

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are a delicious and decadent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, maple, and nuts in a convenient bar form. These bars are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

History

The exact origins of Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in North America. This recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a popular dessert choice for many households.

Ingredients

1.5 cup all-purpose flour
0.67 cup sugar
0.5 tsp salt
0.75 cup (1-0.5 sticks) cold butter or margarine
2 eggs
1 can (14 oz (397 g)) sweetened condensed milk (not evaporated milk)
1.5 tsp maple flavor
2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup HERSHEY'S semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to prepare

Heat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt; cut in the butter until crumbly.
Stir in 1 beaten egg.
Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2 inch baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, beat the sweetened condensed milk, remaining 1 egg, and maple flavor; stir in the nuts.
Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the prepared crust.
Gently spread the nut mixture evenly over the chocolate.
Return to the oven.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Cut into bars.
Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the bars for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
Substitute the nuts with dried fruit for a different texture and taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the baking pan to ensure a solid base for the bars.

- Be careful not to overbake the bars, as they can become dry and crumbly.

- Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares to ensure clean and even cuts.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to preheat the oven before baking the bars to ensure even cooking.

- Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into clean and neat squares.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of nuts in place of the chopped nuts called for in the recipe.

- If you don't have maple flavor, you can use vanilla extract as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Chocolate Maple Nut Bars on a decorative platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chocolate Maple Nut Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and indulgent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Chocolate Maple Nut Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Maple Nut Bars contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Maple Nut Bars contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Maple Nut Bars contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Maple Nut Bars contains approximately 5 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin E.

Alergens

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars contain nuts, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are a delicious treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Summary

Chocolate Maple Nut Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate, maple, and nuts in a convenient bar form. With a rich and indulgent taste, these bars are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Chocolate Maple Nut Bars. It was back in the 1960s when I was just a young girl helping out my Aunt Betty in her quaint little bakery in the heart of our small town. Aunt Betty was known far and wide for her delicious pastries and confections, and I was eager to learn all I could from her.

One day, as I was dusting off the shelves in the back of the bakery, I stumbled upon a tattered old cookbook hidden amongst the flour sacks. Curious, I flipped through the pages and my eyes landed on a recipe for Chocolate Maple Nut Bars. The combination of rich chocolate, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy nuts sounded absolutely divine to me.

I asked Aunt Betty about the recipe, and she smiled warmly as she recalled the story behind it. She had learned it from a dear friend who had traveled all the way from Canada to visit her. This friend had brought along a jar of pure maple syrup straight from her family's farm, and Aunt Betty had been inspired to create a new treat using this special ingredient.

As Aunt Betty shared the recipe with me, I listened intently, taking in every detail. She explained how to make the buttery shortbread base, how to layer it with a gooey maple and nut filling, and how to finish it off with a drizzle of melted chocolate. I couldn't wait to try it out for myself.

That weekend, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work in my own little kitchen. The smell of butter and sugar filled the air as I mixed the dough for the shortbread base. I pressed it into a pan and baked it until it was golden and crisp.

Next, I prepared the filling, stirring together the maple syrup, chopped nuts, and a touch of vanilla. I poured it over the baked shortbread and popped it back in the oven to set. As the bars baked, the scent of maple and nuts wafted through the house, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Finally, it was time to add the finishing touch – the melted chocolate. I carefully drizzled it over the top of the bars, creating a beautiful marbled effect. I let the bars cool until the chocolate had hardened, then cut them into squares and took a bite.

The taste was pure heaven. The buttery shortbread melted in my mouth, the sweet maple and nut filling added a delicious crunch, and the rich chocolate tied it all together perfectly. I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe.

From that day on, Chocolate Maple Nut Bars became a staple in my baking repertoire. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, always receiving rave reviews from anyone who tasted them. And each time I made them, I couldn't help but think of Aunt Betty and the serendipitous discovery of this wonderful recipe.

Over the years, I have continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and variations. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of these delectable bars to a new generation. And each time I make them, I am transported back to that moment in Aunt Betty's bakery, surrounded by the warmth and love of family and friends.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a sweet treat that is sure to impress, look no further than my recipe for Chocolate Maple Nut Bars. I promise you won't be disappointed.