Harried Housewife: Maple Walnut Bars

MAPLE WALNUT BARS

BOTTOM LAYER
1 (15.25-ounce) package white cake mix
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 egg, slightly beaten

TOP LAYER
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For the bottom layer, in a large bowl, combine cake mix, flour, butter, and egg; stir until mixture forms a thick dough. Press evenly into the bottom and 1/2-inch up the sides of a 9-inch x 13-inch baking pan. Bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, for the top layer, in a large bowl, combine maple syrup, butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla; whisk until well combined. Stir in walnuts. Pour over hot bottom layer; spread to cover the entire surface. Bake until top layer just starts to set, 22 to 25 minutes. Cool completely in pan. Cut into bars. Makes 24 bars.