Salted Maple Butter Bars

If you’re craving a buttery, sweet treat with a touch of sophistication, these Salted Maple Butter Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine a rich, tender bar infused with the warm, cozy flavor of pure maple syrup, balanced perfectly with a pinch of sea salt to elevate every bite. These bars are both simple to make and delightfully addictive, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to any meal.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: No need for fancy or hard-to-find items. This recipe uses pantry staples plus pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich butter and maple syrup sweetness are perfectly contrasted by a sprinkle of sea salt on top, creating a mouthwatering flavor combination.
• Moist and Tender Texture: These bars have a soft, buttery crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy them warm with a cup of coffee or cold as a grab-and-go snack.
• Easy to Customize: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of glaze for your own signature twist.

Gather These Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – the base for that irresistible buttery flavor.
• 1 cup pure maple syrup – provides natural sweetness and that signature maple taste.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – for structure and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor throughout the bars.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bars rise just enough for a soft texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – works with the acidic maple syrup to create a light crumb.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed – adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – balances sweetness and texture.
• 2 large eggs – bind ingredients and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – boosts the overall flavor.
• Sea salt for topping – a finishing touch that amps up the flavor.

Recommended Tools

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Perfect size for these bars to bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Electric mixer or hand whisk: Makes mixing the butter, sugars, and eggs easier and smoother.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.
• Rubber spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold ingredients gently.
• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool completely without becoming soggy.

Salted Maple Butter Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter. This will ensure your bars come out cleanly and hold their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Setting this aside helps even distribution of the leavening agents and salt throughout the batter.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to creating a tender texture.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and maple syrup until combined. The batter will be rich and fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bars tender and soft.

Step 6: Transfer to Baking Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with the spatula. Smooth the top gently.

Step 7: Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle a generous pinch of sea salt evenly over the top of the batter. This finishing touch will bring out the sweetness and add a subtle crunch.

Step 8: Bake and Cool

Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once done, remove from oven and place on a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a wheat-free version.
• Vegan Butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute to replace unsalted butter.
• Flax Eggs: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) for an egg-free alternative.
• Maple-flavored Syrup: If pure maple syrup is unavailable, use a natural maple-flavored syrup as a substitute.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

• For the best flavor, use pure, high-quality maple syrup. Artificial syrups won’t provide the same depth.
• Be careful not to overbake. The bars should remain soft and slightly chewy in the center.
• Sea salt flakes on top not only enhance flavor but also add a lovely textural contrast.
• Feel free to experiment by adding chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch or a handful of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Storage Pro Tips

Store the Salted Maple Butter Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, but bring them back to room temperature before serving to enjoy optimal texture and flavor. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Salted Maple Butter Bars FAQs

Can I substitute honey for maple syrup in this recipe?

While you can use honey as a substitute, the flavor profile will be different. Maple syrup provides a distinct earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sea salt. If you try honey, expect a slightly different but still delicious result.

How do I make these bars more cakey?

To achieve a cakier texture, you can increase the baking powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons and add a splash of milk or yogurt to the batter. This will add moisture and lift for a softer crumb.

Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars hold up well when made a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They also reheat nicely in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

Allow the bars to cool completely on a cooling rack before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges. You can also chill the bars for 30 minutes to firm up before slicing.

Because You Liked This

• Brown Butter Honey Nectarine Cobbler – Another buttery, sweet treat with a fruity twist.
• Cinnamon Honey Butter Texas Roadhouse Butter – Perfect spread companions for your breakfast or snack bars.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to dive into making these luscious Salted Maple Butter Bars. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch, a cozy dessert, or a sweet pick-me-up during the day, these bars promise a perfect balance of buttery richness and maple sweetness with just the right hint of saltiness. Follow the steps carefully, and soon you’ll be enjoying a batch of bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Happy baking!

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