Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Cozy Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: A Blissful Fall Treat

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, my heart is warmed by thoughts of cozy gatherings and sweet desserts. One recipe that brings back fond memories of family get-togethers is my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. The delightful blend of buttery crust, rich maple filling, and crunchy pecans wrapped in a creamy topping sends me back to childhood afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of baked goods always seemed to dance through the air like a warm embrace.

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a creamy fall dessert that beautifully captures the essence of autumn. With their perfect balance of sweetness and the crunch of pecans, they are not only a feast for the senses but also an easy treat to whip up for any gathering. This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nostalgic Flavor: The warm maple and cinnamon flavors evoke memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations.
• Simple to Make: This recipe is straightforward, perfect for novice bakers and busy home cooks alike.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars are sure to impress friends and family, making them an ideal addition to potlucks and parties.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them warm with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
• Make-Ahead Goodness: They store well in the fridge, making them perfect for planning ahead for gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• 1 cup salted butter, melted (226 grams)
• 2 cups + 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (284 grams)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup salted butter (113 grams)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed (110 grams)
• 3 tbsp heavy cream, at room temperature (45 grams)
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 and 1/4 cups pecan halves
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup cold heavy cream (120 grams)
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar (or more to taste, 22 grams)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt, for topping
• Ice cream, optional for serving

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Make the Crust

2. In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Add the 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 3/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir until you have coarse crumbs.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan in an even layer. Prick the crust all over with a fork to prevent puffing.
4. Bake for 18–20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Pecan Pie Filling

5. In a medium bowl, beat the two eggs and set them aside.
6. In a medium pot, combine the butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat over medium heat and stir until combined.
7. Once the butter is melted, bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil lazily for 3 minutes and then remove from heat.
8. Spoon 1/3 cup of the butter/sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup. Slowly drizzle this into the bowl with the eggs, whisking vigorously to temper the eggs.
9. Slowly pour this egg mixture back into the pot, whisking constantly. Stir in the pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon.
10. Pour this delicious mixture over your baked crust.

Bake

11. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, until the center has a slight jiggle and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Make Whipped Cream

12. In a larger bowl, beat all the whipped cream ingredients together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Remember not to over-mix. Whipped cream is best served fresh!

Serve & Store

13. Slice the cooled bars and serve topped with whipped cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Let bars come to room temperature for 20-40 minutes before serving, or enjoy them cold. Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container for 1–2 days.

Fun Ways to Customize It

• Nutty Variety: Substitute half of the pecans with chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars for an added layer of richness.
• Fruity Twist: Incorporate chopped dried cranberries or apples into the filling for a fruity surprise.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ginger for a warm, spiced flavor profile.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day or two in advance; just be sure to store them properly in the fridge!
• Easy Slicing: To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the fridge for about an hour before slicing.
• Ingredient Swaps: Use dairy-free alternatives for butter and cream to make this dessert more accessible for various dietary needs.
• Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and flaky sea salt right before serving for a beautiful finish.

Nutrition Information per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 210mg

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead?
  Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.

• Can I use different ingredients?
  Yes! Feel free to swap nuts or use different sweeteners if needed.

• How do I store leftovers?
  Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• How long does it last?
  Leftover bars will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

A Cozy Closing Note

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they are a sweet hug on a plate that brings the warmth of the season into your home. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual weeknight treat, these bars are sure to be a hit. Save this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!