Maple Squares (Québec Carré d'Érable et Noix)

Serve these chewy dessert squares, known as Carré Érable et Noix, in shallow bowls, with a pitcher of cream to be poured over the top. This recipe first appeared in The Sweet Life, a story about Québec's second largest maple syrup producing region, Bas-St-Laurent.

8 Tbsp. butter, cubed and chilled
1 cup + 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour, unbleached
¼ cup + ⅔ cup pure maple sugar
1 cup pure maple syrup
1 cup walnuts, chopped
¼ tsp. sea salt
2 eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Butter and flour an 8" square baking pan, set aside. In a food processor, process butter, 1 cup flour, and ¼ cup maple sugar until combined, transfer to pan and press evenly into bottom.

Bake until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.

Whisk remaining flour and maple sugar with maple syrup, walnuts, salt, and eggs in a bowl, pour over baked crust.

Bake until filling is golden brown and set, 30-35 minutes.

Makes 8-10 servings.