Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

There are desserts that make you feel cozy and satisfied, and then there are those that surprise you with flavors. Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are one of those delightful surprises. These bars combine the richness of maple syrup, the crunch of pecans, and a hint of salt that makes every bite unforgettable. They are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a treat for yourself. Let’s explore why you should make these bars, how to prepare them step by step, and some tips to make them even better.

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a fantastic dessert for many reasons. First, they are simple to make and do not require fancy skills, making them great for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of flavors is incredible. The sweet maple syrup pairs perfectly with the salty pecans, creating a delightful contrast that pleases the palate.

Moreover, these bars are very versatile. You can serve them at family gatherings, potlucks, or even as a special treat for yourself. They are easy to cut into portions, making them perfect for sharing. Plus, paired with whipped cream or ice cream, they bring an indulgent touch to any meal.

Not only are these bars tasty, but they can also appeal to a variety of dietary preferences. Making the whipped cream optional allows for some flexibility. The overall process of making them is fun and rewarding, and watching them disappear from the plate will surely make your heart happy.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start:

• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 2 cups + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 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
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt (for topping)
• Ice cream (optional for serving)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This will help the bars come out easily after baking.

2. Make the crust. In a large bowl, take the melted butter and mix it with all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they feel crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use a fork to prick holes all over the crust. Bake for about 18-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a golden brown color.

3. Prepare the filling. While the crust is baking, crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them well. In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter, pure maple syrup, light brown sugar, and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it is boiling, take a small amount of the hot mixture and slowly drizzle it into the beaten eggs while whisking constantly. This helps to temper the eggs and prevents them from cooking too fast. Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the filling. Add the pecan halves, additional salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir everything together.

4. Bake the filling. Pour this pecan mixture over your baked crust. Place the pan back into the oven and bake for about 28-34 minutes. The filling should look slightly jiggly in the center when done.

5. Cool and slice. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial as it helps the filling set up nicely. Once cooled, you can slice them into bars.

6. Make the whipped cream. Take the cold heavy cream and combine it with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whip this mixture with an electric mixer until it forms stiff peaks. This whipped cream is perfect for serving with your bars.

7. Serve and enjoy. Serve your salted maple pecan pie bars with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that perfect finishing touch. If desired, add a scoop of ice cream on the side for an extra treat.

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Serving these bars is fun and flexible. You can enjoy them warm with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious warm-and-cold contrast. Alternatively, serve them at room temperature with whipped cream for a more traditional dessert approach. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch. This dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for an afternoon treat or after dinner.

How to Store Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

To store your salted maple pecan pie bars, keep them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Tips to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

1. Choose Quality Maple Syrup: The flavor of your bars will greatly depend on the quality of the maple syrup used. Always go for pure maple syrup for the best taste.

2. Toast the Pecans: For an added layer of flavor, consider toasting the pecan halves before adding them to the filling. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.

3. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars when baking. You want the filling to be slightly jiggly; overbaking can lead to a dry filling.

4. Chill Before Slicing: If you have time, chill the bars in the fridge for an hour after they are cooled. This makes them easier to slice and helps the filling set nicely.

Variation

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are a few variations you can try. You can mix in a splash of bourbon for an adult twist on flavor. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, consider using sunflower seeds or a nut-free crunch seed mix instead of pecans. You can also change the spices around—try adding a little bit of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth and depth.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use unsalted butter instead?
A1: Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you might want to add a pinch of extra salt to keep the balance of flavors.

Q2: Can I use a different type of nut?
A2: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or even almonds can work well in this recipe.

Q3: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A3: Substitute dairy ingredients with non-dairy versions, such as coconut cream for heavy cream and dairy-free butter for regular butter.

By following these instructions, you’ll create delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars that will delight anyone who tries them. Happy baking!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

Delightful bars combining maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and a hint of salt, perfect for holidays or a sweet treat.

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup salted butter, melted
• 2 cups + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 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
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt (for topping)
• Ice cream (optional for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and parchment paper.
2. Make the crust by mixing melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl; press into the pan and prick with a fork. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
3. Prepare the filling by beating the eggs and mixing melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan; drizzle into the eggs while whisking.
4. Add pecans, additional salt, vanilla, and cinnamon to the mixture; pour over the baked crust and bake for 28-34 minutes until slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool completely in the pan before slicing into bars.
6. For whipped cream, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
7. Serve bars with whipped cream on top, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, and optionally add a scoop of ice cream.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Use pure maple syrup for the best results.

• Author: jessica-baker
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple syrup, dessert, holiday dessert, baking