Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Growing up, my family always baked a pecan pie for the holidays. There’s something about that warm, sweet aroma wafting through the house that just screams nostalgia, doesn’t it? I cherished those moments. But you know how it goes—time passes, and you start to crave that classic flavor in a more practical form. That’s how these Maple Pecan Pie Bars came to be! Look, they’re super easy to slice and serve at gatherings, making them a hit at potlucks. You’ve got this buttery crust that practically melts in your mouth, and then there’s the gooey filling that’s just sweet enough, thanks to that rich maple flavor. Honestly, butter beats oil here every time. The best part? They’re perfect for cozy nights in with a steaming cup of tea. Just picture it: you’re curled up on the couch, a little bit of pie bar in one hand, tea in the other—it’s pure bliss. And trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop at just one. I’ve definitely made that mistake before! So, why not whip up a batch and see for yourself?

❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Simple to make with just one bowl for the filling.
• A buttery crust that perfectly complements the sticky topping.
• Rich maple flavor that enhances the traditional pecan taste.
• Great for sharing at parties or enjoying at home.
• Can be made ahead and stored for later.
• The texture is a delightful mix of crunchy pecans and a creamy filling.

🥘 Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

📝 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

   Lining the pan with parchment paper can make it easier to lift the bars out.
2. 2

   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy and smooth.

   Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
3. 3

   Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and maple syrup, and mix until well combined.

   Mixing in the eggs one at a time helps keep the mixture from curdling.
4. 4

   Stir in the chopped pecans, flour, and salt until just combined. Don’t over mix.

   Using a spatula instead of a whisk can help prevent overmixing.
5. 5

   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

   Use the back of a spoon to smooth out the surface.
6. 6

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still a bit jiggly.

   Don’t overbake; the bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
7. 7

   Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

   Chilling them in the fridge for a while makes cutting easier.
8. 8

   Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

   These bars are delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh maple syrup for the best flavor.
• If you like extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them.
• For a twist, add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
• Store bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
• These bars are perfect for freezing; wrap them well before freezing.

🔄 Variations

• Chocolate Chip Maple Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist.
• Maple Walnut Bars: Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• Spiced Maple Pecan Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice for a warm, seasonal flavor.
• Maple Cranberry Pecan Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweetness.

📦 Storage Instructions

📊 Nutrition Information

❓ Frequently Asked Questions