When the crisp autumn leaves start to blanket the ground, my thoughts inevitably turn to warm, comforting desserts that celebrate the season. This year, I was thrilled to discover a recipe for Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars that perfectly marries the rich flavors of maple and crunchy walnuts, creating a delightful treat reminiscent of pecan pie but in an easy-to-handle bar form.
With each bite, the tender, flaky shortbread crust gives way to a sweet, chewy filling enhanced by pure maple syrup and brown sugar, making them a standout option for any Thanksgiving gathering or cozy gathering with friends. Best of all, these bars are gluten-free, ensuring that everyone at your table can indulge without worry. Whether you're prepping for a festive potluck or simply craving something sweet to brighten your day, these bars are sure to impress. Grab a plate and let's bake a batch!
Why Choose Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars?
Deliciously Unique: These bars bring together the comforting flavors of maple and walnuts in a delightful new form.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create these tasty treats at home.
Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for Thanksgiving or festive gatherings, they'll have your guests raving.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or alongside a warm beverage.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: They tick all the boxes for flavor and texture, combining sweetness with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars
• Experience the perfect blend of flavors!
For the Crust
- Millet Flour - Provides structure; it can be swapped with almond flour for a nuttier twist.
- Gluten-Free Oat Flour - Adds amazing texture; consider making your own by grinding oats at home.
- Sweet Rice Flour - Ensures tenderness and chewiness; essential for gluten-free baking, also known as glutinous rice flour.
- Tapioca Flour - Contributes moisture and bite; try Bob’s Red Mill for great consistency.
- Xanthan Gum - Acts as a binding agent; vital in gluten-free recipes to provide proper texture.
- Kosher Salt - Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to your taste for best results.
- Baking Powder - Helps the bars rise; make sure it's certified gluten-free.
- Dark Brown Sugar - Adds depth and moisture to the crust; light brown sugar works as a fine substitute.
- Cold Unsalted Butter - Creates that flaky crust you'll love; remember to keep it chilled for the best results.
For the Filling
- Pure Vanilla Extract - Elevates the flavor profile to new heights.
- Large Egg - Binds everything together; for a vegan option, a flax egg works beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup - Lends a rich sweetness to the filling; opt for the real deal for maximum flavor.
- Chopped Walnuts - Adds crunch and delicious nuttiness; feel free to swap in pecans if preferred.
Enjoy crafting these delightful Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars that are guaranteed to become a favorite at your gatherings!
How to Make Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars
Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare an 8×6 glass baking dish by lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together millet flour, gluten-free oat flour, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, kosher salt, baking powder, and dark brown sugar until well combined.
Incorporate Butter: Add the cold unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 14-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg. Then, add the tapioca flour, pure maple syrup, dark brown sugar, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Combine: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts evenly over the baked crust, then pour the maple filling over the walnuts. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set (it should not jiggle when you move the pan).
Cool Completely: Once done, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan. Once cooled, slice into bars and serve as a delightful treat!
Optional: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for an extra layer of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars are ideal for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the crust up to 24 hours in advance by baking it, allowing it to cool completely, and then storing it tightly covered at room temperature. The filling can also be mixed ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days, just remember to bring it back to room temperature before pouring it over the crust to ensure even baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply follow the final steps of adding the walnuts and baking. With these make-ahead tips, you'll enjoy delicious, fresh bars without the fuss when the time comes!
Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe to elevate your baking experience!
Nut-Free: Swap walnuts with sunflower seeds for a safe, crunchy alternative that still packs a nutritious punch.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a vegan-friendly option that maintains a wonderfully flaky crust. This change also adds a subtle coconut flavor!
Spiced Touch: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the filling for a warm, aromatic twist. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Add Some Fruit: Stir in ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries or apricots to the filling for a burst of tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over cooled bars for an indulgent finish. This adds a rich layer and makes for a stunning presentation!
Coconut Flakes: Mix in unsweetened shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical flair that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Lower Sugar: Substitute half of the maple syrup with unsweetened applesauce to reduce sugar while keeping that lovely sweetness.
Extra Crunch: Top your bars with a sprinkle of granola before baking for added texture and a wholesome flavor. This crunchy layer will impress everyone!
What to Serve with Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars?
Indulging in sweet, maple-infused bars is such a joy, and pairing them perfectly will elevate your cozy gatherings.
- Rich Coffee: A robust cup of coffee complements the sweetness, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds warmth and a delightful contrast.
For those who love a fresh touch, serve these bars with a side of whipped cream or even a dollop of Greek yogurt. The creaminess works wonders against the chewy texture of the bars.
- Herbal Tea: Pair with a soothing herbal tea, such as chamomile or mint, for a relaxing treat.
- Sparkling Cider: For a festive feel, a glass of sparkling apple cider creates a cheerful vibe.
- Fruit Salad: Serve alongside a light fruit salad for a fresh, colorful contrast that brightens the palate.
Whatever you choose, these pairings are sure to enhance the experience of enjoying your delicious gluten-free maple walnut bars!
How to Store and Freeze Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars
Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Fridge: For longer shelf life, place the bars in the refrigerator; they will stay fresh for up to 1 week when properly sealed.
Freezer: Freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy warmed bars, gently heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds; this will enhance the flavors of your delicious gluten-free maple walnut bars.
Expert Tips for Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars
- Chill Your Butter: Always use cold butter to ensure a flaky crust; this helps create the perfect texture for your bars.
- Check the Filling: If the filling jiggles when shaken, it needs a few more minutes in the oven. Aim for a fully set filling for the best result.
- Ingredient Checks: Verify that all your ingredients, like baking powder, are gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Nut Alternatives: Feel free to switch walnuts for pecans or almonds based on your taste preference while keeping the delicious essence of these gluten-free maple walnut bars.
- Cooling Time: Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean edges and easier handling.
Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars Recipe FAQs
What type of flour should I use for gluten-free baking?
For gluten-free baking, I recommend using a combination of millet flour, oat flour, sweet rice flour, and tapioca flour. This blend provides excellent texture and structure. Millet flour is great for stability, while sweet rice flour ensures tenderness. If you prefer, you can use almond flour instead of millet flour for a nuttier flavor.
How should I store my Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars?
You can store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or for longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. Just make sure they are well-sealed to maintain their freshness!
Can I freeze these bars, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars, wrap each individual bar in plastic wrap before placing them into a zip-top freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge, and they'll be ready to go!
What should I do if the filling in my bars jiggles?
If your filling jiggles when you move the pan, it likely needs a few more minutes in the oven. I recommend baking it an additional 5 minutes, then checking it again. The filling should be set and firm to the touch when done.
Are these bars safe for those with nut allergies?
If you’re catering to nut allergies, I would advise avoiding walnuts and using alternative ingredients. You can substitute walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added crunch without the risk of allergens. Just be mindful of shared equipment that may have contacted nuts.
Can I make these bars ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just ensure they are stored properly, either at room temperature or in the fridge, to keep them fresh. This makes them a convenient and delicious addition to your holiday dessert table!
Irresistibly Sweet Gluten-Free Maple Walnut Bars for You
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare an 8x6 glass baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together millet flour, gluten-free oat flour, sweet rice flour, tapioca flour, xanthan gum, kosher salt, baking powder, and dark brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the cold unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 14-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, beat the large egg, then add tapioca flour, pure maple syrup, dark brown sugar, melted butter, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the baked crust, then pour the maple filling over. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let cool in the pan. Slice into bars and serve.
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