Maple Pecan Pie Bars

$- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon salt - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1 cup dark maple syrup - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ¼ cup brown sugar, packed To make delicious Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you need key ingredients for a great flavor. First, all-purpose flour gives the bars a sturdy base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while unsalted butter keeps the crust rich. Vanilla extract brings warmth, and salt balances the flavors. Pecans are the star of these bars, providing a crunchy texture. Dark maple syrup gives a deep, sweet taste, and eggs bind everything together. Cinnamon adds a warm spice, and baking powder helps the filling rise. Brown sugar enriches the flavor and adds moisture. - Alternative sweeteners - Different nut options - Gluten-free flour substitutes If you want to switch things up, consider optional ingredients. You can use alternative sweeteners like honey or agave syrup for a different taste. For a nut twist, you might try walnuts or almonds. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour. These changes let you customize your bars to fit your taste or diet. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. - Add ½ cup of softened butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly. - Press the dough into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. - Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom to prevent bubbling. - In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup dark maple syrup, 3 eggs, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. - Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans until they are well mixed. - Pour the pecan filling over the crust, spreading it evenly. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed. To get the right texture for your crust, mix the flour, sugar, and salt well. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted. This helps create a nice crumbly dough. Press the dough evenly into the baking dish. Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom. This stops bubbles from forming while it bakes. Preventing over-baking is key. Bake the crust for just 15 minutes. Look for a light golden color. If it gets too brown, the texture will change. It should be firm but not hard. Add cinnamon to the filling for warmth and depth. Cinnamon brings a cozy taste that pairs well with maple. You can also try adding nutmeg for an extra kick. These spices make each bite special. A touch of salt in the filling balances the sweetness. It helps highlight the rich flavor of the maple syrup. Don’t skip this step; it makes a big difference! For a great presentation, cut the bars into squares. Place them on a rustic wooden platter. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. Add whole pecans on top for a nice look. A drizzle of maple syrup adds a beautiful finish. Pair these bars with coffee or tea. They also go well with vanilla ice cream. The warm, sweet flavors create a perfect match. Enjoy sharing these with friends or family! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your Maple Pecan Pie Bars easily. To add a rich twist, try mixing in chocolate chips or a layer of caramel. The chocolate gives a sweet, creamy taste that pairs perfectly with the nuts. Caramel adds a chewy texture that is simply divine. For an extra maple punch, use maple extract. This ingredient boosts the maple flavor without adding more syrup. Just a few drops can elevate your bars to new heights. If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy these bars. Replace the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed and water. Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This will help bind your filling together nicely. For those looking to cut carbs, opt for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol. Substitute the brown sugar and granulated sugar with this alternative. You can also use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will keep the texture but lower the carbs. You can adapt these bars to fit the season or a holiday. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger can bring warmth to your dessert. These spices work well for fall and winter gatherings. For holidays, consider adding a touch of orange zest or cranberry. This adds color and a refreshing taste. These small changes can make your Maple Pecan Pie Bars feel special and festive. To keep your Maple Pecan Pie Bars fresh, use airtight containers. This helps keep moisture out and flavor in. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them. They can stay fresh for a week in the fridge. You can also freeze the bars. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps them tasty. How long can the bars last? If stored well, the bars can last up to one week in the fridge. In the freezer, they can last for about three months. Signs of spoilage include a change in smell or mold. If they look dry or hard, it’s best to toss them. To enjoy the bars warm, reheat them in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling soft. You can also serve them chilled. Some people like them cold with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yes, you can make these bars ahead. Prepare them and let them cool completely. Once cool, cut them into squares. Store the bars in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about five days at room temperature. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving. If you need a nut-free option, try using sunflower seeds. They add a nice crunch and are safe for those with nut allergies. You can also substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Both nuts work well and change the flavor slightly. For a sweet twist, consider using caramelized nuts. Look for a golden top and set filling. The bars should puff up slightly during baking. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bars are done. Let them cool to firm up and finish cooking. Yes, you can use light maple syrup. It has a milder flavor compared to dark syrup. This will change the taste of the bars but still keep them sweet. The texture will remain similar, so feel free to swap it out based on what you have on hand. Maple pecan pie bars bring comfort and joy. We discussed key ingredients like flour, butter, and dark maple syrup. I shared how to create a tasty crust and a rich filling. You learned tips for baking, serving, and storing these delicious bars. Remember, variations can add your unique touch. Experiment with flavors and dietary needs. Enjoy making and sharing these delightful treats with your family and friends. Your journey in the kitchen can spark happiness in everyone who tastes your creations.$

Indulge in the sweet and nutty goodness of Maple Pecan Pie Bars, a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Prepped in just 15 minutes, these bars feature a buttery crust topped with a rich maple and pecan filling. They're sure to impress family and friends! Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Click through for the full recipe and learn how to make these irresistible bars today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 cup dark maple syrup

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the dough is crumbly yet holds together when pressed.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Use a fork to poke some holes in the bottom to prevent bubbling.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder until fully combined and smooth.

Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.

Allow the bars to cool in the dish for at least 2 hours before slicing them into squares for serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 16 bars

- Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and garnish with a few whole pecans and a drizzle of extra maple syrup for an appealing touch.