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
Scale
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.