I still remember the first time I made these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. It was a Thanksgiving potluck, and I was determined to bring something different than the usual pumpkin pie. I’d seen a few recipes floating around for maple pecan bars, but none of them quite captured what I was looking for – that perfect balance of sweet and salty, a little bit of crunch, and a whole lot of cozy autumnal flavor. Honestly, the first batch was a disaster – the crust was soggy, and the filling was…well, let’s just say it was more like pecan soup than pie. We’ve all been there, right? Cooking fails are just part of the journey.

But I’m not one to give up easily. I tweaked and tested, adjusted the crust-to-filling ratio, and played around with different types of salt. And finally, finally, I landed on this recipe for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. It’s become a total family favorite, and I get requests for it year-round, not just during the holidays. It’s a little slice of heaven, easy to grab and go, and honestly? I think it’s even better than traditional pecan pie.

The best part is that these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars fit perfectly into my busy family life. I can whip up a batch on a Saturday afternoon, and we have a delicious dessert to enjoy all week long. Or, I can easily double the recipe for potlucks or gatherings – they’re always a hit! There’s just something so comforting about the smell of maple and pecans baking in the oven. It fills the whole house with warmth and happiness.

I really think you’ll love how easy this recipe is. You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I promise! Just follow my simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a batch of gooey, delicious bars that everyone will rave about. It’s a great way to introduce a different nutty flavor and texture for a fall party or event. If you like this recipe you should definitely check out my recipe for salted caramel apple crumble bars.

So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get started! I can’t wait for you to try these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I know you’re going to love them as much as my family does.

What You’ll Need for This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I’m all about using quality ingredients, but I also know that we’re all on a budget, so I’ll share a few tips and tricks along the way.

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached all-purpose flour for my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I find it gives the crust a slightly better texture.
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: Make sure your butter is really cold! This is key to a flaky crust. I sometimes even pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes before using it.
¼ cup packed light brown sugar: The brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor to the crust.
¼ teaspoon salt: Don’t skip the salt! It balances out the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
4-6 tablespoons ice water: Add the water gradually, just until the dough comes together. You don’t want it to be too wet.

For the Filling:

1 cup pure maple syrup: This is the star of the show! I always use real maple syrup, not the imitation stuff. It makes a huge difference in the flavor of these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: More brown sugar for that caramel-y goodness!
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter helps to create a smooth and luscious filling.
2 large eggs: Eggs bind the filling together and add richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the other flavors.
¼ teaspoon salt: Again, don’t forget the salt!
2 cups pecan halves: I like to use pecan halves, but you can also use chopped pecans if you prefer.
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: This is what takes these pecan pie bars recipe to the next level! I use Maldon sea salt, but any flaky sea salt will work.

Raw ingredients needed to make salted maple pecan pie bars including flour, pecans, butter, maple syrup and salt

Shopping Tips:

When making these perfect Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you can often find good deals on pecans around the holidays. Stock up and freeze them for later!
I buy my maple syrup in bulk from a local farm. It’s usually cheaper that way, and it supports local businesses!
Cost-saving tip: If you’re short on butter, you can substitute a tablespoon or two of vegetable oil in the crust.

Kitchen Wisdom:

Here’s a Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars trick I learned from my grandmother: Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.
If you don’t have flaky sea salt on hand, you can use regular table salt, but use it sparingly.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars ingredients like nuts and butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the fun part: making these delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! You can also use these same basic ingredients for Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes.

Let’s Make This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Together

Okay, friend, let’s get down to business and make these amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker – I’ll walk you through every step. Just take your time, and remember that even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste delicious!

Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix!
Press the Crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork. This prevents it from puffing up during baking.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the Filling: Pour the filling over the baked crust.
Bake the Bars: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. In my kitchen, these homemade Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars usually takes closer to 30 minutes, but ovens vary.
Cool and Sprinkle: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving. This final touch really enhances the flavor of these easy pecan pie bars.

Personal Cooking Tips:

I learned the hard way with Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars that it’s crucial to let them cool completely before cutting. Otherwise, they’ll be a gooey mess!
While the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are cooking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on my favorite podcast.
If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought pie crust. Just make sure it’s a good quality one.

Reassuring Notes:

Don’t worry if your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars crust cracks a little during baking. It happens! They’ll still taste amazing.
If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil.
Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars should smell like a combination of sweet maple syrup and toasty pecans. It’s heavenly!

Family-Tested Shortcuts:

For an even quicker version of these pecan pie bars recipe, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust.
If you don’t have time to toast the pecans, don’t worry! They’ll still be delicious.

These step-by-step instructions should lead you to make a great dish. If you want to explore more like this, you should try maple pecan pie bars – RecipeTin Eats or Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Pinch of Yum. These maple pecan bars are easy to make with these steps!

How I Love to Serve This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Now that you’ve baked these amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, let’s talk about how to serve them! My family loves this maple pecan dessert, and I’ve found a few ways to make them even more special.

My family loves these amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars when I serve them slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey bars with the cold, creamy ice cream is simply divine!

Go-To Side Dishes:

A dollop of whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the richness of the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars perfectly.
A drizzle of caramel sauce: For an extra decadent treat, try drizzling a little caramel sauce over the bars.
A cup of coffee or tea: These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage.

Occasions:

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering.
They’re also great for potlucks, bake sales, or just a simple weeknight dessert.
I even like to make them for picnics – they’re easy to transport and eat on the go.

Presentation Tips:

Cut the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars into neat squares and arrange them on a platter.
Sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt just before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.
Garnish with a few pecan halves for added visual appeal.

Leftover Ideas:

If you have extra Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you can crumble them over yogurt or ice cream.
You can also use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Or, you can simply enjoy them straight from the fridge!

Seasonal Variations:

In the fall, I sometimes add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a cozy, seasonal twist.
During the holidays, I like to drizzle the bars with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies.

Friends always ask for this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe, and they’re always impressed by how delicious and easy they are to make. I love sharing this recipe with others and seeing their faces light up when they take their first bite. If you enjoy this recipe, try my other fall favorite, Pumpkin Bars Recipe.

Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of the questions I get most often about these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I’ve definitely had my share of kitchen mishaps with this recipe, so I’m happy to share my hard-earned wisdom!

Q: My crust is always soggy. What am I doing wrong?

A: Ah, the dreaded soggy crust! You know what I do when my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars crust tends to get soggy? Blind bake it a little longer! Make sure you’re pricking it with a fork before baking, and bake it until it’s *lightly* golden brown before adding the filling. Also, make sure your filling isn’t too wet. Sometimes, too much butter or maple syrup can contribute to a soggy crust.

Q: Can I use chopped pecans instead of pecan halves?

A: Absolutely! I often use chopped pecans when I’m short on pecan halves or when I want more nuttiness in every bite. The taste of these pecan pie bars recipe is still delicious. Just make sure they’re toasted for optimal flavor and crunch!

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Definitely! These homemade Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are actually even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge.

Q: Can I freeze these bars?

A: Yes, you can freeze these incredible Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Q: My filling is too runny. What can I do?

A: A runny filling usually means that the bars weren’t baked long enough. Try baking them for a few more minutes, until the filling is set. If the top is browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?

A: While these are delightful Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you could certainly experiment with other nuts! Walnuts or almonds would be delicious substitutes. Just keep in mind that they may have a slightly different flavor and texture.

Q: My bars are too sweet. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

A: You can definitely reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling if you prefer a less sweet Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Start by reducing it by ¼ cup and see how you like it. You can also try using a darker maple syrup, which tends to be less sweet. That should help with the maple pecan dessert sweetness.

These are the questions I am most frequently asked about these bars. I hope this helps you on your cooking journey!

My Final Thoughts on This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder that even kitchen failures can lead to something amazing. It’s a recipe born out of experimentation and a desire to create something truly delicious for my family. And now, I’m so happy to share it with you! I hope you enjoy them, they make a great maple pecan dessert!

My Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Pro Tips:

Always use real maple syrup! It makes a world of difference in the flavor.
Don’t overbake the crust! A slightly underbaked crust is better than a dry, overbaked one.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting! I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Variations:

Chocolate Chip Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist. My son, Leo, is a huge fan of this version!
Bourbon Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a warm, boozy flavor. My husband, David, loves this one!
Spiced Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the filling for a cozy, seasonal flavor.

I encourage you to make this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

I hope your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars cooking experience is filled with joy, delicious aromas, and happy memories. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you! Enjoy these salted pecan pie bars.

Happy baking, friends! And don’t forget the flaky sea salt – it makes all the difference! I truly believe that this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. These easy pecan pie bars will be a wonderful treat.

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars combine the classic flavors of pecan pie with a hint of maple and a touch of salt, all in an easy-to-eat bar form. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day!

Author: Liliana
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-6 tablespoons ice water
1 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine pecan halves, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
Pour the filling over the baked crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.