There’s something undeniably delightful about the combination of warm pecans, sweet maple syrup, and a hint of saltiness, all nestled in a buttery crust. These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are not just a dessert; they’re an experience. Perfect for Thanksgiving or a cozy family gathering, they offer a convenient way to enjoy classic pecan pie in a hand-held form, making it easier for everyone to indulge without the fuss of slicing pie. After making and sharing these with friends, I can confidently say they disappear almost as quickly as you make them!

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe brings together a handful of simple yet luxurious ingredients that elevate it to the next level. The salted maple syrup adds an unexpectedly delightful twist that balances the sweetness of the pecans and brown sugar, making each bite irresistible. These bars are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, allowing you to treat your loved ones without breaking the bank. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a sweet treat to brighten your week, these bars fit the bill perfectly.

“These bars turned my family’s Thanksgiving dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. They were a hit! The blend of maple and pecans is just divine.”

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and how to create these delectable bars. With two main steps—preparing the crust and the filling—you’ll find it’s easier than you think to impress your guests.

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)

Cooking Steps

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, melt the butter, then mix in the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until you achieve coarse crumbs. Press these crumbs evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use a fork to prick the crust, which prevents it from puffing during baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool slightly.
Reader Favorite
🍲 30 Tasty Soup Recipes

This ebook includes 30 step-by-step soup recipes, each crafted to be:
- ✔️Simple to prepare
- ✔️Made with everyday ingredients
- ✔️Full of rich flavor and aroma
- ✔️Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or lazy days
👉 Get the Soup Ebook
Instant digital download • Secure checkout
Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: In another medium bowl, beat the eggs and set aside. Over medium heat, combine the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a pot. Stir until melted, then bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Spoon out ⅓ cup of the mixture and slowly drizzle it into the eggs while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs. Once combined, pour the tempered mixture back into the pot, whisking continuously. Add in the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon, stirring well.
Combine and Bake: Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Bake for another 28 to 34 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let it cool completely before slicing.
Make the Whipped Cream: While the bars cool, whip together the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Serve the bars topped with the whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Best Way to Serve

The beauty of these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars lies not just in their flavor, but also in how versatile they are. Bite-sized, they make the perfect addition to dessert platters at your gatherings. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat or serve them with whipped cream for a lighter finish. A drizzle of extra maple syrup over the top wouldn’t hurt either!

Storage Tips

To keep your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you prefer them at room temperature, allow them to sit out for 20-40 minutes before serving. For even longer storage, these bars can be frozen; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Expert Advice

Toasting Pecans: For an even more enhanced flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling. Simply spread them on a baking sheet at 350℉ for about 8-10 minutes until fragrant.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead of time, making them a perfect option for busy holiday gatherings.
Taste Testing: To ensure the sweetness is up to your liking, you can adjust the powdered sugar in the whipped cream. Add a bit more if needed!

Creative Twists

Feel free to get adventurous with this recipe! You can substitute half of the pecans with walnuts or even add chocolate chips for a decadent twist. If you want to cater to different dietary needs, experiment with gluten-free flour or a vegan butter substitute for the crust.

Your Questions Answered

How long do I need to cool the bars before slicing?

It’s best to let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours before slicing. This ensures they set properly and maintain their shape.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance, and they actually taste better after a day of chilling in the fridge as the flavors meld together.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

If you find yourself without maple syrup, honey or a mixture of brown sugar and a touch of vanilla can serve as a substitute, although the flavor will differ slightly.

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are sure to become a beloved treat in your recipe repertoire. Happy baking!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightful bars combining warm pecans, sweet maple syrup, and buttery crust, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and parchment.
In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press into the pan’s bottom and prick with a fork. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.
For the filling, beat eggs in a bowl. In a pot over medium heat, mix butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream until melted. Boil for 3 minutes, then temper the eggs with a bit of the mixture. Combine the rest back in and mix in pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Pour filling over crust and bake for 28-34 minutes until center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely before slicing.
For whipped cream, whip cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff. Serve bars topped with whipped cream and sea salt.

Notes

These bars can be made a day ahead of time and taste better after a day in the fridge. They can also be frozen for longer storage.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 300
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 65mg

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