Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, offering all the rich, gooey goodness without the hassle of pie crust. The Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual brunches. With their sweet maple filling and buttery shortbread crust, these bars are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Skip the pie crust and enjoy a simple process that yields delicious results.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and pecans creates a rich, satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut into bars, they’re ideal for serving at parties or potlucks—with options for easy transport!
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy them plain, or elevate with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Versatile Dessert: Suitable for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want to impress.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will make the process much simpler and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spray
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect size for making bars that bake evenly and slice easily.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 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

For the Filling

• 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

For Whipped Cream Topping

• 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

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350℉. This ensures that your bars bake evenly from the start.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Melt the butter in a medium bowl.
2. Stir in the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until you have coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer.
4. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent puffing up during baking.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

1. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and set aside.
2. In a medium pot, combine melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat.
3. Stir until combined; bring to a boil, then let it boil gently for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat; spoon out ⅓ cup of this mixture into a glass measuring cup.
5. Slowly drizzle this warm mixture into the bowl with eggs while whisking vigorously to temper them.
6. Pour this egg mixture back into the pot while whisking continuously; stir in pecans, salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the pecan filling over your baked crust. Bake for about 28-34 minutes until there’s a slight jiggle in the center but mostly clean when tested with a toothpick. Let cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Make Whipped Cream

In a larger bowl than you expect you’ll need (to catch splatters), beat together heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form—be careful not to overmix!

Step 6: Serve & Store

Slice cooled bars into squares or rectangles. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top or alongside ice cream if desired! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; allow them to come to room temperature before serving unless preferred cold.

Enjoy these delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars at your next gathering!

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Top with Fresh Whipped Cream

• A dollop of freshly made whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the bars.

Add a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. The cold ice cream melts slightly, creating a delicious contrast.

Drizzle with Extra Maple Syrup

• For those who love maple flavor, drizzle additional maple syrup over each bar before serving. It enhances the sweetness and brings out the maple notes.

Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt

• Just before serving, add an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for an added crunch and burst of flavor that complements the sweetness.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit, such as apples or pears, to bring a refreshing element to the rich dessert.

How to Perfect Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

To ensure your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Having eggs and cream at room temperature helps them blend smoothly into the mixture, resulting in a better texture.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, especially for the crust and whipped cream, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough textures.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time. The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center when done; overbaking can dry them out.

• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures clean slices without crumbling. Patience is key!

• Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some suggestions that complement this sweet treat beautifully.

1. Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Apples
   Sweet apples roasted with cinnamon sugar provide a warm, fruity contrast to the rich bars.

2. Caramel Sauce
   Drizzling caramel sauce adds an indulgent layer of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with pecan flavors.

3. Chocolate Ganache
   A simple chocolate ganache can add depth and richness, enhancing the overall dessert experience.

4. Ginger Snap Cookies
   These spiced cookies offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft bars while adding unique flavors.

5. Pumpkin Spice Whipped Cream
   This seasonal twist on whipped cream adds festive flavors that align perfectly with Thanksgiving themes.

6. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing bowl of mixed berries or citrus fruits provides a bright and tangy balance against the sweet pecan bars.

7. Cream Cheese Frosting
   A dollop of tangy cream cheese frosting can cut through the sweetness while adding a creamy element.

8. Spiced Nuts Mix
   A savory mix of spiced nuts offers crunch and flavor diversity, making it a great snack alongside dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using Cold Ingredients: Always ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can lead to an uneven texture in your bars.
• Overmixing the Crust: Mix the crust ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough crust instead of a tender one.
• Skipping the Pricking Step: Remember to prick the crust with a fork before baking. This prevents it from puffing up during baking, ensuring an even surface.
• Not Cooling Completely Before Slicing: Allow your bars to cool completely before cutting into them. Slicing them too early can lead to gooey, messy bars.
• Underbaking the Filling: Make sure to bake until the center has a slight jiggle. Undercooked filling will not set properly, affecting texture and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.

How do I make gluten-free Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?

You can substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure it has xanthan gum for structure.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique flavors.

How long do Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars last?

They last up to 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator, or you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

What can I serve with Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?

These bars pair wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare them a day or two ahead of serving. Just store them in the fridge until ready to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars offer a delightful twist on classic pecan pie without the hassle of making a pie crust. Their rich flavor and gooey texture make them perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Don’t hesitate to customize these bars by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts based on your preference!