CHOCOLATE MAPLE BARS

Chocolate Maple Bars image

My family runs a maple syrup operation, and I'm always looking for new ways to incorporate maple syrup into my cooking and baking. These bars are delicious! -Cathy Schumacher, Alto, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 3 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons 2% milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
FROSTING:
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup miniature marshmallows

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream the shortening, syrup and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Beat in the eggs, milk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Remove half the batter to another bowl., Combine melted chocolate and pecans; stir into 1 bowl of batter. Spread into a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Add coconut to remaining batter. Spread carefully over chocolate batter. , Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat butter until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa. Gradually add syrup, beating until smooth. Fold in marshmallows. Frost bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 143 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 43mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.