Maple Walnut Blondies

Ingredients

• 11 tablespoons unsalted butter, half melted
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons maple syrup, divided
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 3/4 cups walnuts, chopped, divided

Directions

1. Set an oven rack in the upper middle position and heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Fit parchment paper or foil into a 9- by 9-inch baking pan, leaving overhang along the sides so you can lift the bars out later. Grease the pan.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the butter, brown sugar, and salt until blended. Add 1/2 cup maple syrup and the egg, mixing until combined. Stir in the flour and baking soda until the batter is fully mixed. Fold in 1 1/2 cups walnuts.
3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup over the top, then swirl it into the batter. Scatter the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts over the top.
4. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the blondies are golden and the center has just set but still wobbles a bit. Do not push the bake too far. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool for about 1 hour. Use the sling to lift the blondies out of the pan, then cut them.