Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love These Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re a fan of classic pecan pie but prefer something a bit easier to serve, then these Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for you. With the same rich, nutty flavor and sweet maple syrup filling you love about pecan pie, these bars offer a simpler, more convenient way to enjoy all the indulgence of the traditional dessert in an easy-to-slice form. These bars combine the buttery goodness of shortbread with a luscious, gooey maple pecan filling that’s perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and the crunch of chopped pecans.

What makes these bars truly special is their versatility. They can be made ahead of time, served in neat squares, and are ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, or holiday celebrations. The warm, comforting taste of maple syrup and the crunch of toasted pecans will have your guests coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

The buttery shortbread crust is melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the maple pecan topping delivers all the sweetness and richness you expect from a pecan pie, but without the hassle of a traditional pie crust. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars are sure to become a favorite dessert in your collection.

What You’ll Need

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Filling:

1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly with butter. This ensures that your bars won’t stick and makes cleanup much easier later on.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

This step is crucial for achieving a tender and buttery crust. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to make this easier.Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until everything is well incorporated. The dough should be soft and a little crumbly, but it should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, you can add a tablespoon or two of cold water to help bring it together.Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to smooth it out, ensuring that the dough covers the entire bottom of the pan evenly.Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling:

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and maple syrup until smooth and well combined. Make sure to use pure maple syrup for the best flavor—artificial maple syrup will not yield the same rich taste. Add in the vanilla extract and give it a quick stir.Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the maple syrup mixture. These pecans will toast slightly as they bake, adding texture and flavor to the bars.

Assemble the Bars:

Once the crust has slightly cooled, pour the maple pecan filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly. Use a spatula to make sure the filling is spread out to cover the entire surface of the crust. Be gentle to avoid disrupting the crust underneath.Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set and slightly puffed up, and the edges of the crust should be golden. You can insert a toothpick into the center of the bars to check if the filling has fully set—it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.

Once the bars are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Afterward, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will allow the filling to firm up and make it easier to slice the bars into neat squares.

Serve and Enjoy:

After the bars have chilled and set, remove them from the refrigerator. Lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and place them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice them into squares or bars. Serve them on a platter or in individual portions for a delicious treat that’s easy to share.

Tips for Success

Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This ensures a smooth texture and helps the butter mix evenly into the dough.
Chill the Bars: Be sure to chill the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly, so you can cut clean, neat bars without the filling oozing out.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When making the crust, avoid overmixing the dough. You want it to come together but not be overworked, as this can lead to a tough crust.
Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh pecans. Toast them lightly if you prefer a deeper, nuttier flavor, but this is optional.
Check for Doneness: The bars are done when the filling is set and slightly puffed, and the crust is golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they bake to avoid overcooking.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Drizzle: For a richer, more indulgent version, drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars before serving. Dark or milk chocolate works well, and it adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the maple syrup and pecans beautifully.
Spiced Maple Pecan Bars: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a spiced version of these bars. The warm spices pair wonderfully with the maple syrup and add a cozy, comforting flavor.
Vegan Version: To make these bars vegan, swap out the butter for a plant-based butter and replace the eggs with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use maple syrup for the sweetener, and make sure your pecans are unsweetened.
Bourbon Maple Pecan Bars: Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the filling for a boozy twist. The bourbon enhances the maple flavor and adds an extra layer of depth to the bars.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these bars gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Once the bars have cooled and set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheating: If you prefer to serve these bars warm, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. However, they are just as delicious served cold or at room temperature.
Freezing: These bars freeze well for up to 2 months. To freeze, place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans? Yes, you can use other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts in place of pecans. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the bars will change slightly depending on the nut you choose.
Can I make the crust ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the crust up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply prepare the filling and bake the bars as directed.
Can I use a different type of syrup? If you don’t have maple syrup, you can use honey or agave syrup as a substitute. However, maple syrup provides a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate, so if you can, opt for the real deal.
Can I double this recipe to make more bars? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Just be sure to adjust the size of your baking pan accordingly and check the baking times as they may vary depending on the pan size.
How do I know when the bars are done baking? The bars are done when the filling is set (no longer jiggly) and the edges of the crust are golden brown. You can also insert a toothpick into the center of the filling—if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, the bars are ready.

The Final Word

Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars are an irresistible dessert that combines the classic flavors of maple syrup, pecans, and a buttery shortbread crust in a convenient bar format. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these bars are sure to impress.

The beauty of these bars lies in their simplicity. With just a few common ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels both indulgent and homemade, capturing the warmth and comfort of pecan pie without the fuss of a traditional pie crust. The combination of sweet maple syrup, crunchy pecans, and the rich, buttery base is a match made in dessert heaven.

Make these Buttery Maple Pecan Pie Bars today, and you’ll have a delicious, crowd-pleasing treat that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!