If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and dazzling in flavor, this Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These bars are a delightful marriage of buttery crust, rich maple sweetness, and crunchy pecan goodness, all baked together into perfect squares that are ideal for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or the star of a holiday dessert spread, these bars capture the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is easy because it calls for simple pantry staples and ingredients that add wonderful depth and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor and achieving that irresistible chewy yet crunchy bar you crave.
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps create that tender base crust.
- 1/3 cup tightly packed brown sugar: Brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour): Forms the sturdy but crumbly crust that holds everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups pecans: The star nut of the recipe, toasted for maximum crunch and flavor.
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter: For the gooey filling that makes these bars irresistible.
- 1/2 cup tightly packed brown sugar: Sweetens the filling with a deep molasses note.
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Adds that essential hint of contrast in the filling.
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup (not artificially flavoured): Imparts the signature warm, earthy sweetness that makes this recipe shine.
- 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each): Binds the filling and gives it a luscious, silky consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds aromatic depth that rounds out the flavors.
- 1/3 cup pecans: More pecans folded into the filling for extra texture and nutty bursts.
- 2 tsp maple syrup: A drizzle on top to reinforce that unforgettable maple character.
- 1 pinch salt: Just a touch in the finishing touch for balance.
- 1/4 tsp salt flakes (optional but recommended): Sprinkle on top when cooled for a sophisticated salty crunch.
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, salt, and flour in a bowl, stirring until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this evenly into the bottom of your pan to create a sturdy, golden base that will invite the rich topping to shine.
Step 2: Add the Pecans to the Crust
Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans evenly over the pressed crust. These nuts will toast gently during baking, enhancing their natural flavor and giving your bars a delightful crunch with each bite. It’s this balance of textures that makes this Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe truly special.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining butter, brown sugar, salt, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup of pecans to add even more nutty bursts inside the filling.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Pour the filling mixture evenly over the crust and pecans in the pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. This is the moment when the magic happens—those cozy maple and pecan aromas will start filling your kitchen.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, drizzle 2 teaspoons of maple syrup over the warm bars and sprinkle a pinch of salt flakes if you want to add that lovely salty counterpoint. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 generous squares. Cool bars allow the filling to firm up beautifully, making slicing easier and neater.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are gorgeous on their own but you can elevate the presentation with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add softness. A few whole toasted pecans scattered on top also add visual appeal and invite guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a dessert that feels indulgent and complete. A cup of strong coffee or spiced tea complements the sweet maple and pecan notes perfectly, balancing the richness with a little warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these to a party or gift-giving, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with some autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for a charming seasonal touch. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on individual dessert spoons for a fancy finger-food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This lets the bars retain their crisp crust while keeping the filling chewy and moist. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge is also fine, just bring them back to room temperature before enjoying.
Freezing
Want to keep these bars on hand for a longer time? Freeze them in an airtight container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They freeze well for up to 2 months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for holidays or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To refresh the bars after freezing or chilling, warm them gently in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This will revive their lovely buttery texture and intensify the maple aroma without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! While maple syrup provides a distinct earthy sweetness that defines this Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, honey is a wonderful substitute that will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Do I have to use pecans, or can I use other nuts?
Pecans are traditional and bring a rich buttery taste, but walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts could work well if you want to mix things up. Just keep the same quantities to maintain the texture balance.
Is it necessary to sprinkle salt flakes on top?
Not necessary, but highly recommended! The crunchy salt flakes contrast beautifully with the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor. If you don’t have flakes, a small pinch of sea salt works just fine.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the crust properly.
How long do these bars last when refrigerated?
Stored in an airtight container, the bars stay fresh and delicious for up to one week in the fridge. Let them warm slightly before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe are the kind of dessert that never fails to delight no matter the occasion. Bursting with rich flavors and inviting textures, they’re easy to make yet impressive to serve. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—your family and friends will be begging for the secret, and you’ll have a new go-to recipe that spreads warmth and sweetness with every bite.
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Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the sweet, sticky goodness of real maple syrup in a delightful dessert bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and gooey maple pecan filling, they offer all the indulgence of traditional pecan pie in easy-to-serve bars. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday treats, or any time you crave a sweet nutty dessert.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/2 cups pecans
For the Maple Pecan Filling
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/3 cup real maple syrup (not artificially flavoured; honey can be substituted)
- 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pecans
For Garnish
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 tsp salt flakes (optional but recommended for sprinkling at the end)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Stir in the plain flour until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into a lined baking pan to form the base. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of pecans over the crust evenly. Bake this base for about 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until just beginning to set and turn golden.
- Make the Maple Pecan Filling: In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar and salt. Add maple syrup, beat in eggs one at a time, and then stir in vanilla extract. Fold in the pecans gently. Pour this filling over the partially baked crust and pecans in the pan. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbling.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of maple syrup and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and optional salt flakes for a delightful salty-sweet contrast. Cut into 16 bars and serve.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for the best flavor; honey can be used as a substitute but will slightly change the taste.
- Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Salt flakes on top enhance the flavors by balancing sweetness; this step is optional but recommended.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a crunchy texture, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the crust and filling.
