Why Make This Recipe

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are an excellent choice for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious dessert. These bars combine the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans with a hint of sea salt, making for a delightful balance of sweetness and savory notes. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply as a treat to enjoy at home. Plus, they are easier to prepare than a traditional pecan pie, making them a great option for bakers of all skill levels.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

To make these delicious bars, gather the following ingredients:

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

Directions

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients until you get coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer. Use a fork to prick the crust all over to prevent puffing. Bake for 18-20 minutes and then set aside.
Make the Pecan Pie Filling: Beat the two eggs in a medium bowl and set aside. In a medium pot, combine the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat, stirring to mix. Once the butter is melted, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring slowly for 3 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat. Spoon 1/3 cup of the butter/sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup. Slowly drizzle this into the bowl with the eggs, whisking vigorously. This step tempers the eggs, so go slow to avoid scrambling. After that, pour this mixture back into the pot while whisking. Stir in the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Finally, pour this mixture over the baked crust.
Bake: Bake for 28 to 34 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly when you move the pan, and a toothpick should come out mostly clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Make Whipped Cream: In a medium to large bowl, beat all whipped cream ingredients together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Don’t overmix. It’s best to make whipped cream just before serving.
Serve & Store: Slice the cooled bars and serve with whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and let them come to room temperature for 20-40 minutes before serving, unless you prefer them cold. Leftover whipped cream can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but they shine even brighter when paired with a dollop of fresh whipped cream. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Serve them at room temperature or slightly chilled, based on your preference.

How to Store Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

To keep these bars fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, allow them to come to room temperature for 20 to 40 minutes before serving. This helps bring back their delightful texture.

Tips to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour.
Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling for the best texture.
Use a variety of nuts or even add chocolate chips for a twist on the classic recipe.
To save time, you can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time and bake them just before serving.

Variation

You may consider adding a splash of bourbon to the filling for a richer flavor profile. Additionally, experimenting with different nuts, such as walnuts or macadamia nuts, can give these bars a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter, but you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to three months. Be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
What can I use instead of eggs?
You can replace eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

Conclusion

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat that is sure to impress anyone who tries them. With their rich flavors and easy preparation, they are perfect for any occasion. For a detailed recipe and more tips, check out this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe. Enjoy your baking!