Delicious salted maple pecan pie bars served on a white plate.

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

by

Why Make This Recipe

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat that blend the classic flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of bars. They are sweet, nutty, and have a hint of salt that elevates the dessert. Whether you are hosting a gathering or looking for a simple dessert to enjoy at home, these bars impress with their rich taste and easy preparation. They are perfect with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream, making them a versatile dessert that suits any occasion.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

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:

  1. Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
  2. Make the Crust: Melt 1 cup of butter in a medium bowl. Stir in the remaining crust ingredients until you create coarse crumbs. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent puffing. Bake for 18-20 minutes and set aside.
  3. Make the Pecan Pie Filling: Beat the two eggs in a medium bowl and set aside. In a medium pot, combine the remaining butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium, stirring until combined. Bring the mix to a boil, stirring lazily for about 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Spoon ⅓ cup of the butter/sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup. Slowly drizzle this into the eggs while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs. Then stir this back into the pot along with pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour the pecan mixture over the baked crust.
  4. Bake: Bake for 28 to 34 minutes. The center should have a slight jiggle when shaken, and a toothpick inserted will come out mostly clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
  5. Make Whipped Cream: In a medium to large bowl, beat all whipped cream ingredients on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Avoid overmixing. It’s best to make whipped cream just before serving.
  6. Serve & Store: Slice the cooled bars and serve with whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them cold. Leftover whipped cream can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are best served chilled or at room temperature. A generous dollop of freshly made whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top transforms these bars into a decadent dessert. You can also sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top for an added touch of flavor. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasions.

How to Store Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Keep your leftover Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. They can be reheated briefly in the microwave or enjoyed cold. The bars will taste best when allowed to come to room temperature before serving again, but they can also be enjoyed directly from the fridge if you prefer.

Tips to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

  1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother filling and crust.
  2. Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream: Overmixing can turn the cream grainy.
  3. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time. The center should set but still have a slight jiggle when you move the pan.
  4. Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to get neat pieces.

Variation

For a different flavor, you can try adding chocolate chips or swapping some pecans for walnuts. You can also experiment with adding spices like nutmeg or using brown sugar in different amounts for varying sweetness.

FAQs

  1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make them a day ahead and store them in the fridge. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.

  2. Can I freeze Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
    Yes, these bars can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.

  3. Can I use different nuts?
    Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute walnuts or a mix of your favorite nuts for a unique taste.

Conclusion

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love. The rich flavors and buttery crust make them a standout choice for any occasion. If you want to explore more delicious recipes, check out the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe by Pinch of Yum. Enjoy your baking!