Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a combination of nutty, buttery, and maple-infused flavors. These bars are easier to make than a traditional pie and are ideal for sharing!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are seriously amazing! They take all the deliciousness of pecan pie and turn it into an easy-to-eat bar form. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base for the gooey, maple-infused pecan filling. The best part? They’re much less fussy than a whole pie, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a special treat for yourself. They are truly a standout dessert that everyone will love, with a wonderful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 2: Press the Crust into the Pan
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. You can use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to get a smooth, even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step helps prevent a soggy crust.
Step 4: Make the Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves into the maple mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Pour Filling over Crust
Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 7: Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. The center should be mostly firm, but still have a slight jiggle.
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles. Cooling them completely helps the filling set up properly, making them easier to cut.
Serving Suggestions
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are fantastic on their own as a sweet treat. They are delicious served warm or at room temperature.
For a truly decadent experience, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm, nutty flavors of the bars perfectly.
These bars are also ideal for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. Their easy-to-serve format makes them a hit at parties and potlucks. You can dress them up by dusting them with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage and Reheating
To store any leftover Maple Pecan Pie Bars, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them sealed to prevent them from drying out.
If you prefer to enjoy them warm, you can reheat the bars in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 15-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the filling too runny.
Key Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Servings: 16-24 bars
- Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry blender or your fingers
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup 1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves into the maple mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed.
- Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares or rectangles.
