Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the deep sweetness of maple syrup, these Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a must-try. They capture all the beloved elements of a classic pecan pie but in a convenient, handheld bar form that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on the go. With a buttery crust, a luscious maple-pecan filling, and just the right amount of sweetness, these bars are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a casual get-together, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe brings simplicity and indulgence together beautifully.

Why It’s My Go-To

What makes these Maple Pecan Pie Bars my go-to dessert is their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The buttery crust acts as the ideal foundation, providing a slight crunch that complements the gooey, rich filling. The maple syrup adds a unique depth that elevates the traditional pecan pie flavor without overwhelming it. Plus, these bars are straightforward to prepare—no complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—making them accessible for bakers of all skill levels. I also love how they hold up well, making them easy to transport and serve at parties or potlucks. If you love desserts with a nutty, caramel-like sweetness and a tender crust, these bars will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

Ingredient Breakdown

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crust, providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the crust and helps achieve a flaky texture.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly and adds a subtle molasses flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup pecans, chopped: The star nuts of the recipe, offering crunch and depth of flavor.
• 1 cup maple syrup: The key sweetener in the filling, lending a warm, complex sweetness.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness and helps set the filling.
• 3 large eggs: Bind the filling together and provide richness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness and enhances the maple flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the crust for a better texture.

Setup & Equipment

• 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect size for these bars, ensuring even baking and easy slicing.
• Mixing bowls: One for the crust ingredients and another for the filling.
• Electric mixer or whisk: For creaming butter and mixing the filling smoothly.
• Spatula: Useful for folding ingredients and spreading the batter evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to perfect bars every time.
• Cooling rack: Allows the bars to cool evenly and prevents sogginess.

Cook Maple Pecan Pie Bars Like This

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. Beat until creamy and smooth. Add the flour and baking powder and mix just until it forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your greased 8×8-inch baking pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden.

Step 2: Make the filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and bake

Once the crust has baked and slightly cooled, pour the maple pecan filling over it, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan.

Step 4: Cool and serve

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This can take about 1-2 hours. Once cooled, cut into squares and enjoy! These bars are delightful on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Smart Substitutions

• Butter: You can use coconut oil or plant-based margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option, but softened consistency is key.
• Maple syrup: For a different flavor profile, try using honey or a mix of honey and brown rice syrup.
• Pecans: Walnuts or almonds work well if pecans aren’t available.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Vanilla extract: Almond extract can be used for a nutty twist, but reduce to 1/2 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the filling.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

• Soggy crust: Make sure to bake the crust until it’s just golden before adding the filling to prevent it from getting soggy.
• Overbaking the filling: The filling should remain slightly jiggly when you take it out; it will firm up as it cools.
• Uneven crust thickness: Press the dough evenly into the pan to ensure consistent baking and texture.
• Filling too runny: Use the exact ratio of eggs and sugars and avoid substituting liquid sweeteners without adjustment.
• Sticky bars: Cool completely before cutting to get clean, neat slices.

Leftovers & Meal Prep

These Maple Pecan Pie Bars store beautifully. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. These bars are also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or bringing along as a sweet treat on road trips. Their sturdy texture and rich flavor only improve after a day, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Reader Questions

Can I use light or dark maple syrup?

Yes! Both light and dark maple syrup work well in this recipe. Light maple syrup offers a milder, more delicate flavor, while dark syrup provides a deeper, more robust maple taste. Choose based on your personal preference.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make the bars gluten-free. Just be sure to select a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

Is it possible to make these bars vegan?

To make vegan maple pecan pie bars, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute, and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the eggs. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Can I add chocolate to these bars?

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars adds a decadent twist. For inspiration, check out this recipe for Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Blondies, which combines similar flavors with a chocolaty boost.

Don’t Miss These

• For a rustic, fruit-filled dessert with a nutty crunch, try the Caramel Pecan Pear Galette.
• If you love the combination of maple and pecan but want something a little different, the Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Blondies are a perfect next bake.

Wrap-Up

Enjoying homemade Maple Pecan Pie Bars is like having the best parts of pecan pie in a handy, sliceable form. The buttery crust paired with a rich, sweet maple filling studded with crunchy pecans makes for a truly irresistible treat. This recipe is forgiving enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced bakers looking for a new favorite. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or everyday indulgence, these bars will satisfy your craving for something sweet and nutty without the fuss of traditional pie.

With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a batch of these bars that taste like pure autumn bliss. Don’t forget to experiment with the Maple Pecan Chocolate Chip Blondies or the Caramel Pecan Pear Galette for more nutty, sweet inspiration. Happy baking!

Share on Pinterest