These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a sweet and crunchy treat! With a buttery crust and rich maple filling, they are simply delightful and perfect for any sweet tooth.
I love how easy these bars are to share at gatherings. Just cut them up and watch everyone’s faces light up! Plus, who can resist that crunchy pecan topping? Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This is the foundation for your crust. If you want a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Some people even enjoy almond flour for a nuttier flavor!
Pecans: The star of the show for the filling! If you don’t have pecans, walnuts work well, or you can mix in other nuts like hazelnuts for a unique twist. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit with each nut choice.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup gives that rich flavor. If you’re in a pinch, light corn syrup can substitute but you’ll lose some of that delicious maple taste. Or, use a mix of both for the best of both worlds!
Unsalted Butter: Unsalted is preferred so you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can be great alternatives.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Flaky Crust?
Making a flaky crust involves a few key steps. The trick is keeping your butter cold. This creates those lovely layers when baked:
- Chill your mixing bowl and utensils for about 10 minutes before you start.
- When combining butter into the flour mixture, leave small chunks of butter. This will melt in the oven, giving that flaky texture.
- Don’t overwork the dough! Mix just until combined and press it into the pan gently.
Your efforts on the crust will make your bars even more delicious! Enjoy your baking! 🍁
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For The Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 to 35 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the bars cool completely—which will take about 30 minutes—before cutting them into squares. So, overall, plan for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light greasing so the bars come out easily later.
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt together. Next, take the cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want it to look like coarse crumbs with tiny bits of butter still visible.
3. Form the Crust:
Press the crumbly dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it covers the entire base! Pop it into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Once done, take it out and set it aside to cool a bit.
4. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pure maple syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined and smooth. This will be your delicious filling!
5. Add the Pecans:
Gently stir in the pecans, but remember to save about 1/2 cup for sprinkling on top later if you’d like a nice finish to your bars.
6. Complete the Bars:
Pour the filling evenly over your pre-baked crust. Spread it around gently, ensuring it’s even. Then, sprinkle the reserved pecans over the top!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the pan back into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they are done when the filling is set and slightly puffy. Keep an eye on them toward the end!
8. Cool and Cut:
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan to set. This will take about another 30 minutes, but it’s important for the perfect cut! Once they’re set and cool, slice them into bars and serve.
9. Storage:
If you have any leftover bars (though I doubt it!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Enjoy your deliciously sweet, nutty maple pecan pie bars!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust can save time and effort. Just make sure to adjust the baking time according to the package instructions for pre-baking if needed.
Can I Substitute Other Nuts?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can easily swap them for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just remember to give them a light chop if using larger nuts!
How Should I Store These Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil before freezing!
Can I Make These Bars Vegan?
Yes! You can make them vegan by using a plant-based butter substitute and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) in place of the eggs. And don’t forget to use maple syrup that’s 100% vegan!