Indulge your sweet tooth with a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup, crunchy walnuts, and gooey chocolate in every bite! These Maple Walnut Magic Cookie Bars are not just a dessert; they are a magical experience that will transport you to a cozy café on a crisp autumn day. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen in under 30 minutes, these bars are perfect for gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself. Ready to discover the secret to making these irresistible bars? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are completely moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded coconut evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Distribute the chopped walnuts uniformly across the coconut layer.
- Scatter the chocolate chips over the walnut layer, ensuring even coverage.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and maple syrup until well combined and smooth.
- Slowly pour the maple-condensed milk mixture over the entire pan, making sure to cover all ingredients evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is lightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your nuts and coconut are fresh for the best flavor. Toasting the walnuts lightly before adding them can enhance their nuttiness.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to mix and match chocolate chips—dark, milk, or even white chocolate can be used to suit your taste preferences.
- Don’t Rush the Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Line the Pan Properly: Using parchment paper not only helps with easy removal but also prevents sticking, ensuring your bars come out perfectly every time.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for an extra burst of flavor, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Storage Tips: Keep these bars in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerated for longer-lasting enjoyment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 15mg
