Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Introduction
Maple pecan pie bars combine the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans in a convenient, handheld treat. These bars offer all the classic taste of pecan pie with a buttery crust, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour and softened butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 8×8-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Step 2: In another bowl, mix the chopped pecans with maple syrup. Spread this pecan mixture evenly over the baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the topping is set and bubbly. Let cool before cutting into bars.
Tips & Variations
- Toast the pecans lightly before mixing to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- For extra richness, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the topping mixture.
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil to make these bars dairy-free.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat briefly in the microwave to soften before serving, if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes and provide a different but delicious texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to bake the crust before adding the topping?
Baking the crust first helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy when the wet topping is added, ensuring a crisp base for the bars.
PrintMaple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars combine the rich, nutty flavor of toasted pecans with the deep sweetness of pure maple syrup, layered over a buttery shortbread crust. Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, these bars offer a delightful twist on traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-make handheld form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cubed cold butter, and sugar. Using a pastry cutter or fingers, blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden.
- Prepare the topping and bake again: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped pecans, maple syrup, and melted butter until well combined. Pour this maple-pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and set. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor, avoiding imitation syrups.
- Allow the bars to cool completely to ensure clean cuts and help the filling set.
- For a nuttier taste, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: maple pecan pie bars, pecan bars, maple syrup dessert, easy pecan pie, shortbread crust bars, fall dessert
