These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a sweet treat with a crunchy topping and a gooey filling that’s sure to please! The blend of maple syrup and pecans gives it a cozy, fall flavor.
And let’s be real, who can resist that crunchy, nutty topping? I love serving these bars at gatherings—they always disappear fast! Perfect for a snack or dessert. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, but the texture might vary slightly.
Pecans: These are the star of the show! If you’d like a different nut flavor, try walnuts or almonds. Just remember that the taste will change, but they’ll still be delicious!
Maple syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. If you need a substitute, agave syrup or honey works, but they will alter the taste a bit. I think the maple syrup adds a unique depth that really shines in this recipe.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used in this recipe to control the salt levels in your bars. You could use coconut oil for a dairy-free version, which will give a different texture but it works well!
How Do You Get the Perfect Crust for Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
Making a great crust is key to these bars! Here’s how to ensure it turns out delicious:
- Mix the flour, sugar, and salt first to combine evenly. Don’t skip this step!
- When you cut in the butter, do it until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Avoid over-mixing—small lumps of butter should remain.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together as it bakes.
- Pre-baking the crust until lightly golden sets it and prevents it from being soggy once the filling is added.
Just a few extra tips: Make sure to let it cool a bit before adding the filling. This helps maintain texture and adds to the flavor of your finished bars!
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For The Filling:
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves (chopped coarsely for bars)
Optional Topping:
- a pinch of flaky sea salt for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-55 minutes of baking time. Make sure to allow for cooling time after baking—these bars are best enjoyed once they’ve set up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a sturdy mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when you press it.
2. Bake the Crust:
Next, take your crust mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking pan. It should be nice and flat. Pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
3. Make the Filling:
While the crust is cooling, grab a large bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. This will create the sweet, sticky filling that makes these bars so delicious!
4. Add Pecans:
Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling. This will add that delightful crunch and nutty flavor!
5. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the filling mixture over the crust you previously baked, spreading it out evenly to ensure every bite is full of flavor.
6. Bake:
Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the filling to be set and golden on top—keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook.
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, take it out and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top before you slice them into squares for serving.
8. Serve:
Cut your bars into squares, and they’re ready to enjoy! They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for even longer freshness. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring on your own!
These bars blend a buttery shortbread-like crust with a luscious, deeply flavored maple-pecan topping reminiscent of traditional pecan pie but in a convenient bar form. Yum! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Nuts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Just chop them coarsely, and keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly depending on the nut you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
If maple syrup isn’t available, you can use agave syrup, honey, or corn syrup as a substitute. However, these alternatives will alter the flavor profile, so maple syrup is preferred for the best taste!
How to Store Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
Once they’re cooled completely, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture!
Can I Freeze These Bars?
Yes, you can freeze maple pecan pie bars! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving for the best results.
