Maple Pecan Pie Bars (classic)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Maple pecan pie bars are a delightful twist on the traditional pecan pie, offering all the rich, nutty flavors in a more portable form. The buttery crust cradles a gooey filling made with pure maple syrup, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, making each bite a sweet indulgence. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers.
Historically, pecan pie has its roots in the Southern United States, where pecans are native. The addition of maple syrup to this classic dessert not only enhances the flavor but also pays homage to the maple syrup-producing regions of North America. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, and if you’re wondering how to make it even better, just remember: a little extra pecan never hurt anyone!
To make these bars, you’ll need to start with a simple shortbread crust that provides a sturdy base for the luscious filling. The filling is a delightful blend of maple syrup, eggs, and pecans, baked until set but still slightly gooey in the center. The result is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together with friends. Just be prepared to share—these bars have a way of disappearing quickly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the crust and ensuring the filling sets perfectly.
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out once they’re baked.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of unsalted butter and 0.5 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Gradually add in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 0.5 teaspoon of salt, mixing until just combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down firmly.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
- While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by whisking together 1 cup of maple syrup, 0.5 cup of brown sugar, and 3 large eggs in a medium bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in 1.5 cups of chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling. This adds that delightful crunch.
- Once the crust is done baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.
- For best results, refrigerate the bars for a couple of hours before serving. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Enjoy your maple pecan pie bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Carbs g: 40
- Protein g: 3
- Fat g: 16
- Sugar g: 22
