Name: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 eggs; 3/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp flour; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped pecans; Flaky sea salt for topping

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Introduction

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars offer the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors with a buttery crust and rich maple filling. These bars are an easy twist on traditional pecan pie, perfect for sharing at any gathering or enjoying as a delightful treat.

The image shows several pecan bars stacked on a black cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: a light tan, firm base layer, and a top layer densely covered with glossy, caramelized pecan halves that are clustered tightly and sprinkled with coarse salt. To the left, a small white bowl is filled with whole pecans. In the background, a bottle with amber-colored syrup is partially visible. A few scattered pecan pieces and crumbs are around the bars. The scene has a warm, cozy feel with rich brown and caramel tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar (for crust)
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup brown sugar (for filling)
2 tbsp flour (for filling)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough comes together.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake it for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden.
Step 4: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
Step 6: Pour the filling over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the top generously with flaky sea salt.
Step 8: Gently lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the chopped pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the brown sugar in the filling to 1/3 cup.
Use dark maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty twist.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat bars briefly in a warm oven or microwave to enjoy them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a square baking pan lined with parchment paper, filled with a dense, rich pecan dessert. The top layer is covered with whole, shiny, dark brown pecans arranged evenly across the surface. Beneath the pecans is a thick, sticky, caramel-like layer mixed with chopped nuts, creating a textured, glossy brown surface. The pan is placed on a folded soft pink cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup for cup. This should keep the texture similar, but be sure to check your blend’s ingredients for best results.

What if I don’t have pure maple syrup?

Pure maple syrup provides a unique flavor, but you can substitute with honey or a light corn syrup in equal amounts. Keep in mind this will slightly change the taste and sweetness.