Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Description:
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie, but in an easy-to-serve bar form. They have a buttery shortbread base topped with a gooey, sweet maple-pecan filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings, dessert tables, or just a cozy treat with coffee.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
For the filling:
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped (or halved for larger pieces)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Make the crust:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the filling:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble and bake:
Pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Serve:
Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Cut into squares or rectangles. Optional: drizzle with extra maple syrup or sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt before serving.
Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40–45 minutes (15–18 min crust + 25–30 min filling)
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Tips & Q&A:
Q: Can I use corn syrup instead of maple syrup?
A: Yes, but it will taste less rich and have a different depth of flavor. Pure maple syrup gives a warm, caramel-like flavor.
Q: How should I store these bars?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I make them nut-free?
A: Absolutely! Replace the pecans with chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different twist.
Q: How can I make the filling extra gooey?
A: Don’t overbake. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven; it will firm up as it cools.
These bars are rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet with a nutty crunch—essentially all the goodness of pecan pie in an easy, portable