If you're running low on all-purpose wheat flour (or can't find it) but do have access to barley flour, try these Maple-Walnut Barley Bars. They are just sweet enough, and they are moist but not dense. Studded with walnuts that mirror the nutty flavor of the barley, the bars also have a strong maple taste. They are simple bars, quick to make and bake in the air fryer, and perfect with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk. The bars make a great snack, dessert, or breakfast treat.
Air Fryer Maple-Walnut Barley Bars -- Makes 12
3/4 cup of milk
1/4 cup of canola oil
1 egg
1/2 cup of brown sugar (preferably dark brown)
1/2 teaspoon of maple extract
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 cups of barley flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 cup of chopped or broken walnuts (preferably toasted)
Cinnamon and sugar (for sprinkling)
In a medium bowl or measure (I use a quart-sized Pyrex measure), whisk together well the milk, oil, egg, sugar, maple extract, and salt. Stir in the barley flour, baking powder, and walnuts until everything is combined. Spray three 5- or 6-inch square pans or ceramic dishes with non-stick cooking spray and divide the batter evenly among the pans. Sprinkle a little sugar and cinnamon over the batter in each pan (a teaspoon or so of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for each). Place one pan in the air fryer, set the heat at 320 degrees, and cook the batter for about 15 minutes, or until a pick inserted in the center comes out with no wet batter attached. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining pans/batter. Let the bars cool in their pans at least 10 minutes before removing them. Cut each square into 4 pieces. Enjoy!
