This Maple Pecan Pie Bar recipe makes beautiful bars that are are so delicious, with a little maple sweetness!
Well, the big day is almost here! Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I’ve been running around like crazy trying to get things ready. Tonight after work I’m coming home and making croissants, apple pie and mini chocolate raspberry cheesecakes (per Stephen’s request).
So much to do, so little time. Isn’t that how it always is? I decided to start my baking early this year, mainly because of work and other obligations, but also because I don’t want to wake up at 6am tomorrow just to spend the rest of the day in a hot kitchen. I love to bake, but I love to sleep even more. With that said, I made these maple pecan pie bars a few days ago.
I figured we could snack on them throughout the week and then really savor the pie and cheesecake come turkey day. This recipe is great because you don’t have to worry about making the perfect crust (kind of a big deal if you are like me and hate to flute the edges).
I decided to add maple syrup to these to give them a little extra flavor and I think it did the trick! If you’re looking for a quick & easy alternative to pie, give these a try, I think you’re going to like them!
Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Soft, chewy, and filled with a warm layer of maple filling over a tender crust, these Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a sweet, simple dessert perfect for sharing on Thanksgiving.
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Servings: 16 bars
Calories: 434kcal
Ingredients
- 8 Tbsp (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar - packed
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 3 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- pinch of salt
- 2 cups pecans - chopped
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar - packed
- 16 Tbsp (2 sticks) butter - softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a 9×13″ pan with foil, leaving a 2″ overhang on all sides. This will help you remove them from the pan.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together butter, sugars, and salt until fluffy. With mixing speed on low, gradually add the flour and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crust into the prepared pan. Prick a few times with a fork. Place in the oven to bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Meanwhile, to prepare the pecan pie filling, in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Once the butter has melted, add brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla, maple syrup, and salt. Turn the heat up to medium and cook for 2–3 minutes (or until the sugar has dissolved and it begins to simmer). Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Once the mixture has cooled, add eggs and pecans. Mix until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the hot pie crust. Bake for 20–22 minutes (be careful not to overbake or the sides will get burned). Remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Transfer to the freezer to chill for an additional 20 minutes. Remove, cut, and serve.
NOTES
-Yields about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how they’re sliced.
STORE Pecan Maple Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate them to keep the filling firm. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To FREEZE, place the cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. If you’d like to REHEAT them, warm in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to soften the crust and filling slightly.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar | Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 589IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
Adapted from Epicurious, Pecan Pie Bars
Pecan pie is my favorite! These bars are so delicious and a lot easier than making a pie:)
Such a great alternative to pie.