Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful dessert that captures the essence of a traditional pecan pie, all while being simpler to prepare. The Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for various occasions, from cozy family gatherings to festive celebrations. With a rich maple flavor and a buttery crust, these bars are sure to impress your guests and become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need to fuss with pie crust! These bars come together quickly and effortlessly.
• Gooey Goodness: The filling is rich and gooey, delivering all the flavors of classic pecan pie in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, holidays, or any gathering where you want to impress.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for busy days.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer (optional)
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly baking your bars and allows easy serving.
• Electric mixer: While not required, it makes whipping cream much easier and quicker.

this recipe

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Crust

• 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

For the Pecan Pie Filling

• 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

For Whipped Cream Topping

• 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

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Prepare your 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, melt the butter.
2. Add in the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until you have coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
4. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent puffing during baking.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

1. Beat the eggs in a separate medium bowl and set aside.
2. In a medium pot, combine melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat.
3. Stir continuously until combined; bring to a boil while stirring lazily for about 3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat. Spoon out ⅓ cup of this mixture into a glass measuring cup.
5. Slowly drizzle this mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking vigorously to temper them—this prevents scrambling.
6. Pour this egg mixture back into the pot while whisking until fully combined.
7. Stir in pecans, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon before pouring over the baked crust.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 28-34 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center and toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow cooling completely before slicing.

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream

In a larger bowl than you think you need, beat together all whipped cream ingredients on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Avoid overmixing as it can become grainy.

Step 6: Serve & Store

Slice cooled bars into squares or rectangles and serve topped with whipped cream or ice cream if desired. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; let come back to room temperature before serving again or enjoy cold!

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Serving Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is a delightful experience that enhances their rich flavor. Here are some creative ways to present these delicious bars to your guests.

With Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly made whipped cream adds a light, creamy texture that complements the rich filling.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates a warm and cold contrast, elevating the dessert experience.

Drizzled with Maple Syrup

• A drizzle of pure maple syrup can enhance the maple flavor in the bars, making each bite even more indulgent.

Topped with Flaky Sea Salt

• Sprinkling extra flaky sea salt on top brings out the sweetness and adds an enjoyable crunch.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve with fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing balance against the sweet richness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Offer a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside for a comforting dessert experience that balances sweetness.

How to Perfect Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

To achieve the best results when making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure eggs and cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Don’t Overmix the Filling – Gently combine ingredients to avoid incorporating too much air, which can affect the texture.

• Cool Before Slicing – Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares for clean edges.

• Adjust Sweetness – Taste your filling before pouring it onto the crust; you can add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

• Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.

• Experiment with Toppings – Feel free to try different toppings like chocolate drizzle or crushed nuts for added flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars can create a well-rounded dessert table. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Cinnamon Apples – Warm cinnamon-spiced apples provide a fruity complement to the nutty bars.

2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – The classic pairing offers creamy richness that balances the bar’s sweetness.

3. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle this over the bars or serve on the side for an extra layer of indulgence.

4. Chilled Fruit Salad – A refreshing fruit salad contrasts perfectly with the richness of pecan pie bars.

5. Chocolate Mousse Cups – Light and fluffy chocolate mousse adds a decadent touch alongside your dessert.

6. Cheesecake Bites – Mini cheesecake bites provide a creamy option that pairs well with nutty flavors.

7. Coffee Cake Muffins – Soft coffee cake muffins add warmth and spice, perfect for a cozy dessert spread.

8. Pumpkin Spice Cookies – These seasonal cookies bring a festive touch and pair beautifully with pecans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars even more delicious.

• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or cream can result in uneven mixing. Always take your eggs and cream out ahead of time.
• Overmixing the crust: Mixing too much can lead to a tough texture. Combine your crust ingredients just until you see coarse crumbs.
• Not tempering the eggs: Failing to slowly mix in hot ingredients can scramble the eggs. Remember to drizzle the hot mixture into the eggs while whisking constantly.
• Baking without checking: Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. Keep an eye on your bars, and look for a slight jiggle in the center when they are done.
• Cooling too quickly: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat each bar for about 20-30 seconds on medium power, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions that often come up regarding Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.

How do I make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile while maintaining the same texture.

What is the best way to serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?

These bars are delightful served warm with whipped cream or ice cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances their flavor beautifully.

How long do Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars last?

When stored properly, they can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are not only easy to make but also provide all the rich flavors of traditional pecan pie without the fuss of pie crust. These bars are versatile and perfect for any gathering, allowing for creative customizations such as adding chocolate chips or different spices. Try these delectable treats and impress your guests!

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Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, a simpler twist on the classic pecan pie. These luscious bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey maple pecan filling that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Perfect for any occasion, from festive celebrations to cozy family gatherings, these bars are sure to impress. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, you’ll want to add this recipe to your dessert repertoire. Serve them warm or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, melt the butter and mix with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
3. For the filling, combine melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream in a pot over medium heat; bring to a gentle boil while stirring for about 3 minutes.
4. Temper eggs by slowly whisking in some hot mixture; then combine with remaining filling ingredients (pecans, salt, vanilla, cinnamon).
5. Pour filling over baked crust and bake for 28-34 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
6. Allow cooling completely before slicing into bars.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Use room temperature eggs and cream for better mixing. Feel free to experiment with toppings like chocolate drizzle or fresh fruit garnishes for added flavor.