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Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

4.6 from 141 reviews

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars offer a delicious twist on traditional pecan pie, combining a tender buttery crust with a rich, sweet, and nutty filling made from maple syrup and chopped pecans. Topped with flaky sea salt, they balance sweetness perfectly and make an irresistible dessert bar that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Filling

  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups chopped pecans

Topping

  • Flaky sea salt for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow for easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the crust mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix until the dough comes together into a crumbly yet pressable consistency.
  3. Press and bake crust: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a firm and uniform base. Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes until lightly golden and set.
  4. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together the 3 eggs, 3/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  5. Add pecans: Fold the 2 cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
  6. Layer filling over crust and bake: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot baked crust, spreading gently if needed. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
  7. Cool and add salt topping: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan to let the filling fully set. Once cooled, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top to enhance the maple sweetness and add texture.
  8. Slice and serve: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper edges, then cut into squares of your desired size. Serve and enjoy these rich, sweet, and salty pecan bars!

Notes

  • Ensure the butter for the crust is softened but not melted to achieve the perfect crumb texture.
  • You can substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
  • Maple syrup quality impacts flavor; pure maple syrup is recommended for authentic taste.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, pecan bars, maple syrup dessert, nutty maple bars, flaky sea salt dessert