Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional pecan pie. These bars pack all the rich, nutty flavors of a classic pecan pie into a portable and easy-to-eat form. With a buttery crust, sweet maple filling, and crunchy pecans, they make a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe for Maple Pecan Pie Bars is simple and requires common ingredients you might already have in your pantry. It’s perfect for those who love the flavors of pecan pie but want a more manageable version. Plus, these bars are great for sharing, and they taste amazing warm or at room temperature. You’ll impress your friends and family with these delicious treats!
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/2 cups pecans (Note 1)
- 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup (real, not artificially flavored; honey would also work)
- 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup pecans
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 tsp salt flakes (for sprinkling at the end, optional but recommended)
Directions:
Abbreviated Recipe:
- Preheat your oven and prepare the baking dish.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt to form the crust.
- Press the crust mixture into the baking dish and bake.
- Prepare the filling by combining all filling ingredients and mixing well.
- Pour the filling over the crust and bake again.
- Let cool, slice, and enjoy!
Full Recipe:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt to create the crust.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, in another bowl, combine the 75g melted butter, brown sugar, cooking salt, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of pecans. Pour this filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Let it cool completely before cutting into bars. Optionally, sprinkle with salt flakes before serving.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Pie Bars
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are best served at room temperature. You can enjoy them plain, or for a special treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. They make a great dessert or even a sweet snack anytime!
How to Store Maple Pecan Pie Bars
To store your Maple Pecan Pie Bars, place them in an airtight container. They can stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
- If you prefer a more intense maple flavor, use a darker maple syrup.
- Ensure your butter is melted but not too hot when mixing with the other ingredients.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a new flavor twist. You might also consider using walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty taste.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience. Just ensure it fits your baking dish properly.What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can substitute it with honey or agave syrup, but the flavor will be different.Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored until you’re ready to serve them.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 75 g unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- ¼ tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
For the filling
- 75 g unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar, tightly packed
- ¼ tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (real, not artificially flavored) Honey would also work.
- 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecans Chopped or whole, per preference.
- 2 tsp maple syrup For drizzling.
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ tsp salt flakes Optional but recommended for sprinkling at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt to create the crust.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
Filling
- In another bowl, combine the 75g melted butter, brown sugar, cooking salt, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of pecans.
- Pour this filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
Serving
- Let it cool completely before cutting into bars.
- Optionally, sprinkle with salt flakes before serving.
