Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion! These delightful bars combine the rich taste of maple syrup with crunchy pecans, all topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy night at home, these bars will impress everyone. They are super easy to make, making them perfect for beginner bakers who want to add a sweet, homemade touch to their dessert table. 🍁🥧
why make this recipe
These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars offer a wonderfully sweet flavor blend that will satisfy your dessert cravings. They are perfect for gatherings, or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Just imagine biting into a soft, buttery crust loaded with warm, gooey pecan filling and a hint of salt. Delicious, right? Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked treats filling your kitchen to make you feel warm and cozy!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 34 minutes
Total Time: 54 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
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
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
« This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free. »
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking dish (if needed)
Directions
Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
Make the Crust: Melt the butter in a medium bowl, and stir in the remaining crust ingredients until you have coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use a fork to prick the crust all over—this prevents it from puffing up. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Once done, set aside. 🥄
Make the Pecan Pie Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the two eggs and set aside. In a medium pot, combine the melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium, stirring to combine. Once the butter is melted, bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from heat. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the butter/sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup and slowly drizzle it into the eggs while whisking vigorously. Go slowly to avoid scrambling the eggs! Once combined, pour the egg mixture back into the pot while whisking. Stir in the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pour this pecan mixture over the baked crust.
Bake: Bake for 28-34 minutes. The center should have a slight jiggle, and a toothpick inserted will come out mostly clean. Allow it to cool completely before slicing and serving. 🕒
Make Whipped Cream: In a medium to large bowl (choose a bigger one to avoid splatters), beat all whipped cream ingredients together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Don’t over-mix, as it can become grainy. Note: I suggest making whipped cream right before serving!
Serve & Store: Slice the cooled bars and serve them topped with whipped cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let the bars come back to room temperature for 20-40 minutes before serving, unless you enjoy them cold. Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. 🍨
how to serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Serve this decadent dessert with a generous dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra special touch, you might even pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This sweet treat is perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply enjoying after dinner!
how to store Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to let them come to room temperature before serving again, or you can enjoy them chilled if that’s your preference. Store the whipped cream separately for the best freshness.
💡 Pro Tips
- Make Your Own Whipped Cream: Fresh whipped cream is simple and delicious! Skip store-bought for a homemade touch.
- Egg Temperature: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results when mixing!
- Substitutions: You can swap out different nuts if you’d like to try variations! Walnuts work great too.
- Serving Size: Slice into smaller bars for gatherings so guests can enjoy more treats.
variation
Feel free to mix in some chocolate chips for an added twist! Dark or milk chocolate can complement the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I use nuts other than pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also taste great in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the amount as needed!
