Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of maple syrup and the crunch of pecans, look no further than these Maple Pecan Pie Bars. These bars are not only easy to make but are also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a picnic, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home. The buttery crust complements the gooey filling, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. Plus, they’re portable, making them a fantastic option for sharing! Get ready to indulge in a delicious dessert that will leave your guests asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Easy to Prepare: Unlike traditional pies, these bars are straightforward to make. The crust and filling come together quickly, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your dessert.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of brown sugar and maple syrup creates a deep, caramel-like flavor, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and nuttiness.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as is for a simple treat or dress them up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more decadent experience.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are cut into squares, making them easy to share at parties or gatherings. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare these bars ahead of time, making them an excellent choice for holidays or events where you need to plan your desserts in advance.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that is both comforting and elegant, these Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. Here are a few compelling reasons to give this recipe a try:

• Seasonal Ingredients: Maple syrup is often associated with fall and winter, making these bars a perfect addition to your seasonal dessert lineup. The warmth of cinnamon and the richness of pecans evoke the essence of the holidays.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. Want a nuttier flavor? Add more pecans! Prefer it sweeter? A bit of extra maple syrup can do the trick.
• Healthy Fats: Pecans are a great source of healthy fats and nutrients. They contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can contribute to a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste and chewy texture make these bars appealing to kids and adults alike. You can even involve your children in the baking process for a fun family activity.
• Impressive Presentation: When cut into squares and arranged on a platter, these bars look beautiful and can elevate any dessert table.

Ingredients and Utensils Needed

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make the perfect Maple Pecan Pie Bars:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Utensils

To ensure your Maple Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfectly, gather the following tools:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium mixing bowl
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry cutter (optional, for crust)
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)

Detailed Recipe Steps

Ready to make some scrumptious Maple Pecan Pie Bars? Follow these detailed steps for a flawless outcome:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly. Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter, mixing until it becomes crumbly. This crumbly mixture will form your crust.
3. Form the Crust: Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or a flat-bottomed measuring cup to create an even layer. Make sure it reaches the corners and sides of the dish.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of packed brown sugar, ½ cup of maple syrup, 3 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
6. Add Pecans: Stir in the 2 cups of chopped pecans into the maple mixture. Make sure the pecans are evenly coated with the filling.
7. Pour the Filling: Carefully pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will ensure that every bite has that delicious pecan flavor.
8. Bake Again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish. This step is crucial as it allows the filling to firm up for easier slicing.
10. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, cut the bars into squares. You can serve them plain, or for an indulgent treat, top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips to ensure your Maple Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfect every time, along with some variations to try:

• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze well! Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
• Nut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Vegan Version: To make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg) and use vegan butter. Ensure your maple syrup is pure and not mixed with any animal products.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the other ingredients are also gluten-free to ensure safety for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spice It Up: Add spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a warm and cozy flavor. You can also experiment with adding a splash of bourbon for an adult twist.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted when making the crust. Overmixing the filling can lead to a rubbery texture, so mix just until combined.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

Understanding the nutritional content of your food is essential, especially when it comes to indulgent treats like Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (approximately 12 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 15g
• Protein: 4g

The key ingredients in these bars offer several health benefits:

• Pecans: Rich in healthy fats, pecans are an excellent source of antioxidants and essential vitamins like vitamin E and B vitamins. They can help improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, pure maple syrup contains minerals such as manganese and zinc. It has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, making it a better option for controlling blood sugar levels.
• Eggs: A good source of protein and essential amino acids, eggs contribute to muscle health and can help with satiety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Maple Pecan Pie Bars are not only a delightful dessert but also a versatile one that can be tailored to your preferences. With their rich flavors and satisfying textures, they are sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and feel free to share this recipe with others who will appreciate it! Enjoy your baking, and happy indulging!

For more delicious recipes, check out my other favorites like Lentil Soup, Pumpkin Soup, and Pizza Dough Recipe. If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, don’t miss out on Caesar Salad or Meatloaf Recipe.

For even more inspiration, check out my Pinterest page for a plethora of recipes that are sure to delight!

Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Deliciously sweet and nutty, these Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, combining the classic flavors of pecan pie in a convenient bar form.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 portions

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 0.5 cups Maple syrup
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Pecans, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon

Equipment

• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Electric Mixer

Method

 

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the flour mixture and mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until well combined.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans into the maple mixture.
7. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake in the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
9. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares.
10. Serve as is, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat!

Notes

For a variation, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or using walnuts instead of pecans.