MAPLE BUTTER BARS

This version of the tarte au sirop d’érable from Quebec is made into bars rather than the traditional round tart. Put the whole square into the fridge before trying to cut it.

Requires cooling time.

Overview

Prep time

20 mins

Cook time

40 mins

Serves

20 bars or 16 squares

Ingredients

For the base

• 115g cold butter, cut into cubes, plus extra for greasing
• 175g plain flour
• 70g soft light brown sugar

For the filling

• 30g butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 175g soft light brown sugar
• 115g maple syrup (the dark kind – Ocado has Buckwud Intense Dark Maple Syrup)
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Step 1

Heat the oven to 190C/180C fan/gas mark 5. Butter a 22cm square baking tin and line with a piece of baking parchment large enough for it to hang over two opposite sides. You will use the paper to pick the maple butter square out of the tin later.

Step 2

To make the pastry, in a large bowl rub 175g plain flour, 115g cold butter (cut into cubes) and 70g soft light brown sugar together with your fingers until you have what looks like rubble. Press this into the base of the prepared tin. Bake for 15 minutes. The centre will feel quite soft but it firms up as it cools. Leave to cool on the counter-top.

Step 3

To prepare the filling, beat 30g butter (melted and cooled) and 2 large eggs together in a large jug or bowl, then add 115g maple syrup, 1 tbsp cider vinegar, 2 tbsp plain flour, ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract, along with ¼ tsp of salt, and beat again. Pour this on top of the now cool pastry and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 4

Don’t try to cut this when it’s hot. Allow it to cool, then put it in the fridge for at least a couple of hours.

Step 5

Run a knife around the sides of the tin to make it easier to pull out the square. Use the parchment to lift it out. Using a very sharp knife, cut it into either 20 bars or 16 squares. 

Step 6

Put them in a parchment-lined tin. It’s important to let the bars come to room temperature so they’re soft and not fridge-cold.

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2025-03-18T16:08:59Z