Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of cozy gatherings and sweet memories, then you’ve come to the right place! These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. They deliver all the rich, gooey goodness without the fuss of a pie crust. Perfect for holidays or just when you want to treat yourself, these bars will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What makes this recipe even more special is how simple it is to prepare! You can whip up these delicious bars in no time, making them ideal for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved favorite in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these bars ready to go. No complicated techniques here!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pecan pie! These bars are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake these bars in advance and store them for later. Perfect for parties or potlucks!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and toasted pecans creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
• Perfectly Sweetened: A touch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness, making each bite simply divine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars use wholesome ingredients that you likely already have on hand! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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 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 the Whipped Cream

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is their flexibility! You can easily customize them to fit your taste preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Use Agave Nectar: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for a warming spice twist.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. This ensures your bars bake evenly. While that’s heating up, spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. This will help you easily lift out the bars later!

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, melt your butter and stir in the remaining crust ingredients until you achieve coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan evenly. Pricking it all over with a fork helps prevent puffing during baking—this step is key! Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

In another medium bowl, beat two eggs and set them aside. In a medium pot, combine butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until combined. Once melted, let it boil gently for three minutes while stirring lazily—it develops great flavor! Remove from heat and temper your eggs by slowly whisking in part of this mixture into them before pouring it all back into the pot along with pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Bake

Pour this luscious filling over your baked crust. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly when moved but look mostly set when tested with toothpicks. Let it cool completely before slicing; patience is worth it!

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream

In a large bowl (one that’s bigger than you think!), beat together all whipped cream ingredients until stiff peaks form—be careful not to overmix! It’s best served fresh.

Step 6: Serve & Store

Slice your cooled bars into squares or rectangles and serve them with whipped cream on top—don’t forget that sprinkle of flaky sea salt! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; let them sit at room temperature briefly before serving again unless you’d rather enjoy them chilled.

Now you’re ready to dive into baking these irresistible Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! Enjoy every moment spent creating this sweet treat that sure brings joy to any occasion.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are not only delicious but also easy to make with a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the filling, ensuring a creamy, perfectly textured pie bar.
• Don’t skip the pricking step: Pricking the crust before baking prevents it from puffing up, allowing for a nice, even layer that holds your gooey filling beautifully.
• Temper the eggs correctly: Slowly drizzling the hot butter mixture into the beaten eggs while whisking is crucial. This technique prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky filling.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing makes it easier to cut neat squares without disturbing their structure, leading to prettier presentations.
• Experiment with toppings: While the flaky sea salt is fantastic, consider adding crushed pecans or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for additional flavor and texture!

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Serving these delightful bars can be as fun as making them! Presenting them well can really elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt: This enhances the sweet maple flavor and gives each bite an exciting contrast.
• Chopped pecans: Adding some chopped pecans on top not only looks appealing but also adds a delightful crunch.
• Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds creaminess and richness that complements the bars beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream balances out the richness of the bars and brings a refreshing chill.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits provides a fresh contrast and brightens up your dessert table.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their flavors and creates a cozy atmosphere.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling some warm caramel sauce over each bar adds an indulgent touch that will impress any dessert lover!

Feel free to mix and match these serving ideas to create your perfect dessert spread. Enjoy every bite of those delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat any time you need it. With a few simple steps, you can store or freeze these bars for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the bars to come back to room temperature for about 20-40 minutes before serving, unless you prefer them cold.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they will keep well for up to 2 months.
• To enjoy, simply thaw the desired amount in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• If you prefer warm bars, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers might have about making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.

Can I make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as a binding agent. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg.

How long do Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars will last for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.

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

These bars are delicious on their own but are even better topped with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. The contrast of textures makes for a delightful dessert!

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give this recipe its signature flavor, feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your dessert repertoire! These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are not only easy to prepare but also deliver comforting flavors that everyone will love. I’m excited for you to try making these delightful treats and share them with family and friends. Enjoy every bite!