Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Maple Pecan Pie Bars: A Sweet and Nutty Treat for Every Occasion

When you think of fall desserts, two flavors immediately come to mind: maple syrup and pecans. These two ingredients pair perfectly to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and comforting. Enter the Maple Pecan Pie Bars—a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie that’s easier to make, simple to serve, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich maple-infused filling, and a crunchy layer of pecans on top. Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy weekend treat, they offer everything you love about pecan pie—without the hassle of rolling out pastry dough.

Why You’ll Love Maple Pecan Pie Bars

  • Easy to make: No complicated pie crust rolling required.

  • Perfectly portable: Bars are easier to cut, serve, and share than traditional pies.

  • Rich and indulgent flavor: Maple syrup brings a depth of flavor that complements pecans beautifully.

  • Make-ahead friendly: Bake a batch in advance, and they’ll keep fresh for days.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Below is the detailed ingredient breakdown for both the crust and the filling. Having everything measured and ready before you start will make the process seamless.

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Maple Pecan Filling:

  • 1 cup (240ml) pure maple syrup (use Grade A for best flavor)

  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar (light or dark)

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 2 ½ cups (300g) chopped pecans

Required Kitchen Tools

To prepare Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you don’t need any fancy equipment. Here’s a simple checklist:

  • 9×13-inch baking pan (lined with parchment paper for easy removal)

  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)

  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional but helpful for crust)

  • Whisk

  • Rubber spatula

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Sharp knife (for cutting bars neatly)

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or nonstick spray.

2: Make the Shortbread Crust

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.

  2. Cut in the softened butter using a hand mixer or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.

  4. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

3: Prepare the Maple Pecan Filling

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.

  2. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

4: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.

  2. Spread with a spatula to ensure the filling covers the crust completely.

  3. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm in the center. A light jiggle is fine, but it should not look liquid.

5: Cool and Slice

  1. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

  2. For cleaner slices, chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting.

  3. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan, then cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Pie Bars

  • Use real maple syrup: Avoid imitation maple syrup, as it lacks the depth of flavor that makes these bars shine.

  • Don’t overbake: The filling should be set but still soft. Overbaking can cause a hard texture.

  • Toast the pecans: For extra nutty flavor, toast the pecans in the oven for 5–7 minutes before adding them to the filling.

  • Storage tips: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—just wrap tightly.

  • Serving idea: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to make them extra indulgent.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Chocolate Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 cup of dark chocolate chips to the filling.

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

  • Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg).

  • Bourbon Maple Twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a warm, boozy flavor.

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx. 1 of 16 bars)

  • Calories: 360 kcal

  • Fat: 23g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

  • Carbohydrates: 36g

  • Sugar: 25g

  • Protein: 4g

  • Fiber: 2g

  • Sodium: 110mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size.)

Why Maple Pecan Pie Bars Are Perfect for Holidays

During Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive season, these bars offer a stress-free alternative to pie. They can be prepared ahead, cut into portions, and served on dessert trays alongside cookies, brownies, or cakes. Since they travel well, they’re also an excellent choice for potlucks and parties.

Unlike traditional pecan pie, which can be tricky to slice neatly, Maple Pecan Pie Bars are designed to serve a crowd without the mess. That makes them a practical yet impressive dessert for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Maple Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?
Yes! They taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled. Store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.

2. Can I freeze these bars?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

3. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
While honey can work, it changes the flavor profile significantly. For authentic taste, stick with pure maple syrup.

4. Why did my bars turn out runny?
They may have been underbaked. Make sure the filling looks set before removing from the oven. Cooling also helps the filling firm up.

5. How many bars does this recipe yield?
A standard 9×13-inch pan yields about 16–20 bars, depending on how you cut them.

Expert Tips for Baking Success

  • Room temperature ingredients matter: Eggs mix better when not cold, helping the filling stay smooth.

  • Use parchment paper: This ensures easy removal and neat slices.

  • Cooling time is key: Don’t rush slicing; cooled bars cut much more cleanly.

  • Play with sizes: Cut into bite-sized squares for parties or larger rectangles for family servings.

Conclusion: Time to Bake Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Whether you’re looking for a Thanksgiving dessert, a holiday bake sale idea, or a simple treat for your family, Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution. They capture the cozy flavors of pecan pie with a maple twist, all in an easy-to-serve bar format.

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