Introduction
This delightful Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe combines a buttery base with a rich, maple-infused filling, topped off with toasted pecans for an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet snack, this recipe balances the nutty flavor of pecans with the warm sweetness of maple syrup.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Base:
75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
1 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour)
Maple Pecan Pie Filling:
1 1/2 cups pecans (Note 1)
75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter
1/2 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
1/3 cup maple syrup, real not artificially flavored (honey would also work)
2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Decorating:
1/3 cup pecans
2 tsp maple syrup
1 pinch salt
1/4 tsp salt flakes, for sprinkling at the end (optional but recommended)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Yield
16 squares (or 9 larger squares)
This Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe will keep for 7 days in the fridge or 3 to 4 days in the pantry as long as it’s kept cool. The nutritional breakdown per slice (assuming 16 squares) provides essential information for those mindful of their intake, making this an enjoyable yet guilt-free indulgence.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced).
Prepare the Pan
Grease a 20cm/8″ square pan lightly with butter, then line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Make the Base
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in the brown sugar and salt until well combined, then add the plain flour. Press the mixture evenly into the base of the prepared pan using your hands first, followed by a spatula for a more even surface.
Bake and Cool the Base
Bake the base in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After baking, allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes to maintain its crispness (this step is optional).
Toast the Pecans
Spread the pecans (for the filling) on a baking tray and place them in the oven for 10 minutes, using the same oven you baked the base. Once toasted, remove them and let them cool slightly before roughly chopping.
Prepare the Maple Filling
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Once the mixture reaches a simmer, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the chopped pecans.
Prepare the Decorating Pecans
In a separate bowl, toss the whole pecans with the maple syrup.
Fill and Bake
Pour the pecan filling onto the cooled base, spreading it out evenly. Top the filling with the maple-coated whole pecans. Bake the assembled dessert for 25 minutes.
Cool and Serve
Remove the dessert from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature (approximately 2 hours) for it to set. Once cooled, cut it into squares, either 16 or 9, based on your preference, and enjoy.
Notes
Substitutions for Pecans
Other nuts can be used as alternatives to pecans. Good options include walnuts, almonds, or macadamias. Cashews and peanuts are also suitable.
Scaling Up the Recipe
If you choose to double the recipe, use a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) pan. The bars will be slightly thicker, which is a desirable trait. Extend the baking time by an additional 5 minutes.
Storage Information
The bars will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If stored in a cool pantry, they will last 3 to 4 days.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-proof bowl until fully liquid. This can be done in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even melting.
Mixing Ingredients
Combine the melted butter with brown sugar and salt in a mixing bowl until well combined, followed by the addition of plain flour. This process can involve using a spatula or your hands to ensure even incorporation.
Baking the Base
Press the mixture evenly into the base of a greased and lined pan. Bake at 180°C/350°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
Toasting Pecans
Spread pecans evenly on a baking tray and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow to cool before chopping.
Preparing Maple Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and mix in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes before whisking in eggs and vanilla.
Combining and Filling
Stir chopped pecans into the cooled maple mixture, then pour over the baked base. Spread evenly and top with maple-coated whole pecans.
Baking the Final Dish
Bake the filled pan at 180°C/350°F for approximately 25 minutes until set and lightly browned.
Cooling and Serving
Allow the dish to cool completely at room temperature, typically taking about 2 hours. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.
FAQ
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or macadamias, depending on your preference.
How do I store the pecan bars?
The pecan bars can be stored for up to 7 days in the refrigerator or 3 to 4 days at room temperature in a cool place.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, if you double the recipe, use a larger pan (23 x 33 cm or 9 x 13 inches) and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
What to do if the top gets too brown?
If the top gets too brown during baking, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while the center continues to bake.
Is it necessary to let it cool completely before cutting?
Yes, letting the pecan bars cool completely allows them to set properly, making them easier to cut into squares.
Conclusion
This delicious Maple Pecan Pie Recipe offers a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures. The buttery base pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty filling, creating an irresistible treat that is ideal for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a sweet snack, these bars will surely please your taste buds.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Use the same base recipe and add chocolate chips to create gooey chocolate chip cookie bars.
Nut and Fruit Granola Bars
Mix in dried fruits like cranberries and apricots along with assorted nuts for a healthy granola bar option.
Maple Walnut Filling
Replace pecans with walnuts in the filling, enhanced with a touch of cinnamon for warmth.
Caramel Pecan Brownies
Add a layer of caramel to the bottom and top it with the pecan filling for a rich brownie treat.
Coconut Pecan Squares
Incorporate shredded coconut in the filling to create a tropical variation of the classic pecan pie.
