Name: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams); 2 cups + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (284 grams); 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams); 3/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup salted butter (113 grams); 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams); 3 tbsp heavy cream, at room temperature (45 grams); 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 3 and 1/4 cups pecan halves; 1/8 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 tsp cinnamon; 1/2 cup cold heavy cream (120 grams); 3 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste, 22 grams); 1 tsp vanilla extract; Flaky sea salt, for topping; Ice cream, optional for serving

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Making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet tooth while indulging in the rich flavors of maple and pecans. With a buttery crust and a delicious filling, these bars are an irresistible treat that are perfect for any occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your family and friends with a dessert that’s both classic and a little different, these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. With the combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans, they offer a unique twist on the traditional pecan pie, making them a standout dessert choice. Plus, they’re just as simple to prepare as they are delightful to eat. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy nights in, these bars provide comfort in every bite.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Creating Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is a fun and straightforward process, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. Here’s how to do it step by step:

Ingredients

1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
2 cups + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (284 grams)
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup salted butter (113 grams)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
3 tbsp heavy cream, at room temperature (45 grams)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
3 and 1/4 cups pecan halves
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup cold heavy cream (120 grams)
3 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste, 22 grams)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Ice cream, optional for serving

Directions

Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ (176℃). Take a 9×13 inch baking pan, spray it with cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, melt the butter. After that, stir in the remaining crust ingredients until you achieve a coarse crumb texture. Next, press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly, making sure to prick it all over with a fork to avoid puffing. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Pecan Pie Filling: In another medium bowl, beat the two eggs and set them aside. In a medium pot, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Cook this mixture over medium heat while stirring until it combines. Once the butter has melted, bring it to a boil and let it continue boiling lazily for 3 minutes. After this time, take the pot off the heat. Spoon out about ⅓ cup of the butter and sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup. Gradually drizzle this into the bowl with the beaten eggs while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs. This step is crucial to avoid scrambling them. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the pot while whisking continuously. Finally, stir in the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon to finish the filling.

Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust and return everything to the oven. Bake for about 28 to 34 minutes. The center should have a slight jiggle when you move the pan, and a toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Make Whipped Cream: In a medium to large bowl (make sure it’s big enough to prevent splatters), beat together all whipped cream ingredients on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be cautious not to over-mix, as you want to maintain that light and airy texture. It’s best to prepare whipped cream just before serving for optimal freshness.

Serve & Store: Slice the cooled bars and serve them with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for 3-4 days. If you prefer your bars at room temperature, let them sit out for 20-40 minutes before serving, or enjoy them cold. Any leftover whipped cream can also be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

Pro Tips for Success Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality pure maple syrup and fresh pecans. The flavor difference is significant and adds depth to your bars.
Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the egg mixture into the filling, whisk just enough to combine. Overmixing can affect the texture of the filling.
Check for Doneness: To ensure the bars don’t overbake, start checking them a few minutes early. The jiggle in the center is your best indicator of doneness.
Chill Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Chilling them in the fridge for about an hour can make slicing easier and cleaner.
Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to the filling for an extra flavor dimension.

Flavor Variations Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Nut Mixture: Mix in different nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts along with the pecans for a crunchy texture that offers a variety of flavors.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the bars have cooled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch. Dark or milk chocolate work beautifully.
Spiced Version: Add ginger or nutmeg along with the cinnamon to give these pecan pie bars a warm, spiced flavor perfect for fall.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving for an indulgent dessert experience.
Pumpkin Spice: For a seasonal twist, add pumpkin spice to the filling for a flavor combination that echoes the deliciousness of both pumpkin pie and pecan pie.

Serving Suggestions Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

These bars can be enjoyed in various delightful ways. Serve them at your next holiday gathering for a festive treat. Pair with vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert that everyone will love. Garnish with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt for that gourmet touch. They also make a wonderful afternoon snack or a sweet ending to a family dinner.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

For optimal storage, keep your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, they’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. To enjoy later, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, or let them sit at room temperature for about an hour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

| Nutrient | Amount |
|—————-|————-|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |

FAQ About Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that is a 1:1 ratio for regular flour. Just be sure to check the ingredients in your other components to ensure they are also gluten-free.

How do I know when the filling is done baking?

The bars are done when the center jiggles slightly but is mostly set. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time, and check for a toothpick inserted in the center to come out mostly clean.

Can I use other types of sugar instead of brown sugar?

While light brown sugar is recommended for its unique flavor, you can use coconut sugar or granulated sugar in a pinch. This may change the flavor slightly, as brown sugar contributes a deep, caramel-like taste.

How long can these bars be stored?

You can store these pecan pie bars reheated in the oven or microwaved for a few seconds if you like them warm. For safe storage, airtight containers will keep them fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Can I add chocolate to the filling?

Yes! Chopped chocolate or chocolate chips can be mixed into the filling just before baking for a chocolatey twist that pairs wonderfully with the pecans and maple syrup.

Final Thoughts

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that blends the classic flavors of pecan pie with a touch of maple sweetness and a hint of saltiness. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something delightful, these bars are both easy to make and sure to impress. With their creamy filling and buttery crust, they make for an irresistible indulgence that you and your loved ones can enjoy together. Happy baking!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars