Indulge in Delight: The Bliss of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, look no further than Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. This recipe brings together the rich, buttery flavor of pecans and the sweet warmth of maple syrup, all nestled in a soft, crumbly crust. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home, these bars are an instant classic that will quickly become a favorite. I remember the first time I made these bars – the aroma alone had everyone flocking to the kitchen, and the first bite? Pure bliss.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What Makes This Recipe Special

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars aren’t just another gooey dessert; they’re a harmonious blend of crispy, chewy, and creamy textures that lure you back for more. Here are a few reasons why this recipe deserves a spot on your baking roster:

Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, you can whip these up without an elaborate setup. Perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros!
Versatile Dessert: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a weekend family gathering, or simply a Tuesday, these bars shine on any occasion.
Kid-Approved: Sweet, nutty, and just the right balance of saltiness makes this treat a hit with the little ones!

“These bars are a game-changer at family gatherings! Everyone loved them, and I had to share the recipe!” – A happy baker

Preparing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making these bars is as delightful as eating them! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to transform basic ingredients into something spectacular.

Prepare Your Kitchen: Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and preparing a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and parchment paper.
Make the Crust: Combine melted butter with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until you have coarse crumbs. Press this mix into your pan and bake until golden.

Ready to dive deeper? Here’s everything you need to gather before getting started.

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Ingredients 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)

Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Directions

Cooking Steps

Crust: After preheating, make the crust by mixing melted butter with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press it into your prepared pan and prick with a fork. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.
Filling Preparation: Beat the eggs in a bowl and set it aside. In a medium pot, melt the butter with the maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine: Remove from heat, spoon ⅓ cup of this mixture into the eggs slowly while whisking vigorously to temper them. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot while whisking and add the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Bake: Pour this filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for 28-34 minutes. Let it jiggle just a bit in the center when done. Cool completely before slicing.
Whipped Cream: Beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Don’t overbeat!
Serve: Slice cooled bars and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Best Way to Serve

Serving Ideas

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars shine on their own, but why stop there? Enhancing your presentation can take this dessert to new heights:

Serve Warm: These bars are delicious straight from the oven. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Toppings Galore: Finish them off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added decadence.
Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars complement a warm cup beautifully, making for a cozy afternoon snack.

Keeping Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Fresh Longer

Storage Tips

Storing your leftover salted maple pecan pie bars is straightforward:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Refrigeration: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate them, allowing them to come back to room temperature before serving.
Whipped Cream Storage: Any leftover whipped cream can be stored in the fridge for 1-2 days in an airtight container. Avoid making it too far in advance.

Pro Chef Tips

Extra Advice

Tempering Eggs: Be patient while tempering eggs with the warm mixture; this prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth filling.
Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream: Keep an eye on your whipped cream to avoid it becoming grainy.
Chill for Easier Slicing: Want perfectly shaped bars? Let them chill in the fridge for about an hour before slicing!

Creative Twists

Different Ways to Make It

Want to make this dessert uniquely yours? Here are a few suggestions:

Nut Variations: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Maple Swap: If maple syrup isn’t your favorite, you can use honey for a sweeter and slightly floral taste.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a warm spiced kick.

Helpful FAQs

Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep and bake the bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container and assemble the whipped cream just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Using a sharp knife helps achieve clean slices. For even better results, warm the knife under hot water, wipe it down, and then cut the bars.

Indulge in the delightful taste of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars and create lasting memories with every bite. Happy baking!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Deliciously sweet and nutty, these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars combine a soft, crumbly crust with a rich maple pecan filling, topped with whipped cream.

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)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350℉ and prepare a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and parchment paper.
Make the crust by combining melted butter with flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Press it into the pan and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
For the filling, beat the eggs in a bowl and set aside. In a medium pot, melt butter with maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle boil for 3 minutes while stirring.
Remove from heat; slowly spoon ⅓ cup of the mixture into the eggs while whisking. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot, whisk, and add the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
Pour the filling over the baked crust and return it to the oven for 28-34 minutes until the center jiggles slightly. Let it cool completely before slicing.
For whipped cream, beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-high until stiff peaks form. Don’t overbeat!
Slice cooled bars and serve with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

For best flavor, serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Bars can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg

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