Name: Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-490948H37M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup plain (all-purpose) flour; 1 1/2 cups pecans; 75g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter; 1/2 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar; 1/4 tsp kosher salt; 1/3 cup real maple syrup (not artificially flavored); 2 large eggs (~55g/2oz each); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/3 cup pecans; 2 tsp maple syrup; 1 pinch salt; 1/4 tsp salt flakes, for sprinkling (optional but recommended)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you adore the rich, buttery flavors of pecan pie but want something a little easier to share, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. These bars capture all the gooey, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie with the added depth and warmth of real maple syrup. The crisp buttery base paired with a luscious, maple-kissed pecan filling bakes into sweet squares that are perfect for potlucks, afternoon treats, or a cozy night in. Once you try these bars, they’ll be your new go-to whenever you crave comfort and a touch of elegance in one bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square pan lined with parchment paper holds a pecan dessert with a shiny, rich brown top layer filled with whole pecan halves arranged evenly across the surface. The top layer has a glossy texture with some sprinkled flakes of salt visible on the pecans and filling. Beneath the pecans, a sticky, caramel-like layer peeks through, thick and textured with bits of crushed nuts mixed in. The dessert is set on a soft pink cloth, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that combine to create incredible layers of flavor and texture. From the crunchy pecans to the buttery base and real maple syrup, every ingredient plays a vital role in making these bars truly special.

Unsalted butter (75g base / 75g filling): Provides rich moisture and a tender crumb for both the crust and filling.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup base / 1/2 cup filling, tightly packed): Gives caramel notes and beautiful color.
Cooking salt / kosher salt (1/4 tsp base / 1/4 tsp filling): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
Plain flour (1 cup): Forms the sturdy but tender base to hold the luscious topping.
Pecans (1 1/2 cups for filling / 1/3 cup for decorating): Adds buttery crunch and iconic pecan pie flavor.
Maple syrup (1/3 cup + 2 tsp decorating): The star sweetener that adds complexity and warmth.
Large eggs (2): Bind the filling ingredients and create that satisfying gooey texture.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet aromatic notes.
Salt flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): A finishing touch to contrast the sweetness beautifully.

How to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by melting the butter and mixing it with brown sugar, salt, and flour to form a soft dough. Press it evenly into a lined 20cm (8-inch) square pan to create a buttery, crumbly foundation. Baking it for 20 minutes and letting it cool a bit gives the crust a lovely crispness that holds up against the rich filling.

Step 2: Toast and Chop Pecans

While the base bakes, spread your pecans on a tray and toast them in the oven for 10 minutes alongside the crust. Toasting deepens their flavor and boosts nuttiness. Once cooled, roughly chop the pecans to ensure delightful crunch throughout the bars without taking away from that gooey texture.

Step 3: Make the Maple Filling

On the stovetop, melt butter in a saucepan then whisk in brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt until it reaches a gentle simmer. After cooling slightly, whisk in eggs and vanilla before folding in the toasted pecans. This filling is the heart of the bars — smooth, rich, and bursting with maple sweetness balanced by buttery pecans.

Step 4: Decorate and Bake

Coat your decorating pecans with maple syrup, then pour the filling onto the cooled base. Evenly spread it before placing the maple-coated whole pecans on top for a gorgeous, shiny finish. Bake everything together for 25 minutes until the filling is set but still slightly gooey in the center — perfect texture guaranteed.

Step 5: Cooling and Cutting

Allow the bars to cool fully at room temperature (or chill to speed this up), so the filling can set firmly. This step is crucial to get clean squares. Once ready, cut into 16 or 9 squares depending on your preference and get ready to enjoy bar-shaped pecan pie bliss!

How to Serve Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows two steps of making caramel sauce. In the first part, there is a silver saucepan on top of a white marbled surface with bubbling golden brown caramel inside. The caramel is thick and shiny, filling the pan almost to the top. The second part shows the same saucepan from above with a whisk stirring the dark, smooth caramel sauce, which has deep amber and brown colors swirling together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt on the finished bars creates a stunning flavor contrast that highlights the maple’s sweetness and pecans’ earthiness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates this treat into a decadent dessert perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

Side Dishes

These bars shine best on their own, but pairing them with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk is a cozy combo that brings out every layer of flavor. For brunch or a teatime spread, fresh fruit like crisp apples or citrus segments balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these bars on a rustic wooden platter for a casual gathering, or arrange them on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of extra maple syrup and a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a sophisticated twist. Wrapping individual bars in parchment paper makes them a lovely homemade gift or grab-and-go snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store your maple pecan pie bars in an airtight container. They can last up to 7 days refrigerated, keeping the filling moist and the crust crisp. If kept at room temperature in a cool pantry, consume within 3 to 4 days for best texture and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars to enjoy later by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve their gooey deliciousness without compromising texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars slightly warm, heat them gently in a low oven (around 150°C/300°F) for 5-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust too soft. Warming subtly brings back that fresh-baked aroma and enhances the maple pecan filling’s luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, macadamias, cashews, or even peanuts work wonderfully. Each brings its own flavor and crunch profile, so feel free to use your favorite or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The base will still be buttery and hold well, preserving the overall texture and flavor you love.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Honey is a fine substitute that will provide sweetness and moisture, though it changes the flavor slightly. Maple syrup brings a distinctive depth that complements pecans perfectly, so it’s recommended when possible.

How thick will the bars be if I double the recipe?

If you double the ingredients and bake in a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) pan, the bars will be a tad thicker and even more indulgent. Just add about 5 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the filling sets properly.

Can I skip the cooling time before filling the base?

You can skip cooling the base if you’re short on time, but letting it cool helps keep the crust crisp once filled. It’s a small step that pays off big in texture, so if possible, give it the 15 minutes to cool.

Final Thoughts

This charming Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a delightful blend of comforting traditions and easy elegance. It’s perfect for when you want the flavors of classic pecan pie but in a simpler, finger-friendly form. These bars are irresistibly good, perfect for sharing, and sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special—once you try them, you’ll never look back!