These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a sweet treat you’ll love! They have a buttery crust topped with a gooey maple filling and crunchy pecans. Perfect for any gathering!
I can’t resist these bars—who can say no to that yummy maple flavor? I like to enjoy them with a cup of coffee; it’s the best combo! ☕️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter is perfect for controlling the salt level in your crust and filling. I like using high-quality butter for a richer flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil works as a substitute.
Pecans: Chopped pecans are the star of the filling. If you’re not a fan of pecans or want a different flavor, walnuts or hazelnuts can be used instead. Just make sure they’re chopped similar in size!
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives a fantastic flavor and sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you could use agave syrup or honey as a substitute, though the flavor will be different.
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for both the crust and filling. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Bars Don’t Fall Apart?
The trick to ensuring your Maple Pecan Pie Bars hold together nicely is in the cooling! Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them. This lets the filling set up properly. A wire rack is ideal for cooling, but if you don’t have one, just set it aside at room temperature.
- Once cooled, use a sharp knife for cutting to avoid smashing the bars.
- For easier cutting, you can lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper if you’ve lined it.
Letting them rest overnight in the fridge can also help firm them up for that perfect slice!
Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, chopped (reserve some for topping)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and around 55-60 minutes for baking, plus time needed for cooling. So, you’ll be looking at a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy these wonderful bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper. This will make it much easier to remove the bars later!
2. Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a mixer to cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until you form a crumbly dough.
3. Press and Bake the Crust:
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In another large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Then, add the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk this mixture until everything is nicely blended together. Stir in the chopped pecans, but remember to save a few whole pieces for topping.
5. Assemble the Bars:
Pour the maple pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Sprinkle the reserved whole pecans on top for an extra touch.
6. Bake Again:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges start to bubble. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-bake!
7. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is essential as it helps the filling firm up. After it’s cool, carefully cut the bars into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Maple Pecan Pie Bars alongside a nice cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy every bite of that rich, gooey goodness!
This recipe yields rich, gooey bars with a buttery crust and lots of maple and pecan flavor—just like a pecan pie in bar form!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter for the Crust?
Yes, you can use margarine as a substitute for butter, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the crust. Opt for a stick margarine for best results—avoid the spreadable kinds, as they contain added water.
What Can I Substitute for Maple Syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. However, the flavor profile will change a bit. For a closer match, you can also try using a mixture of brown sugar and water (1 cup brown sugar mixed with 1/4 cup water, heated until dissolved).
How Should I Store Leftover Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for about a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just make sure they’re wrapped tightly!
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the bars up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing them. For the best flavor and texture, it’s best to let them sit at room temperature for a little while after they come out of the fridge before serving.