Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Discover the perfect balance of sweet and salty in these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie that’s easy to make and utterly irresistible! Each bar boasts a buttery crust topped with a rich, gooey maple-infused filling and toasted pecans finished with a touch of flaky sea salt for that unforgettable flavor combination. Whether you need a cozy dessert for a gathering or a delicious treat just for yourself, these bars will quickly become your new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Sweet and Salty Harmony: The combination of maple syrup and sea salt elevates traditional pecan pie flavor into something truly special.
• Easy to Make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients, making this dessert accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Great For Sharing: These bars are perfectly portioned for potlucks, parties, or simple family desserts.
• Time-Saving: Unlike a full pie, these bars save baking and cooling time without compromising on taste.
• Customizable: Versatile enough to add your favorite nuts or sweeteners to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create amazing flavor and texture. Each element is essential for the perfect Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars—from the crisp crust to the rich filling and crunchy topping.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy, buttery base that holds everything together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that tender crust everyone loves.
• Packed Brown Sugar: Imparts deep caramel notes, enhancing the filling’s sweetness.
• Pure Maple Syrup: The star sweetener, providing a natural sweetness and that iconic maple flavor.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and give the filling its smooth, custard-like consistency.
• Chopped Pecans: Provide the crunch and nutty flavor so central to this dish.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top to balance the sweetness with a delightful salty crunch.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

Variations for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Feel free to personalize these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars to match your tastes or dietary needs. This recipe is flexible and easy to adjust without losing any of its signature charm.

• Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy, allergen-friendly alternative.
• Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a flax egg in place of eggs for a plant-based twist.
• Extra Chocolate: Add mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted dark chocolate on top for a decadent upgrade.
• Spiced Maple: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warming, cozy flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by mixing flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into an 8×8-inch baking pan to form an even base. Bake in a preheated oven until light golden brown, which sets the perfect foundation for the filling.

Step 2: Make the Maple Pecan Filling

While the crust cools slightly, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir in chopped pecans to add that signature crunch and flavor.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, then return to the oven and bake until the filling is set but still slightly gooey in the center. This balance results in a luscious texture that’s hard to resist.

Step 4: Add Flaky Sea Salt

Once the bars are out of the oven and slightly cooled, sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt on top. This finishing touch enhances the flavor by providing just the right salty contrast.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before slicing into squares. This ensures clean cuts and helps the filling set to the perfect consistency.

Pro Tips for Making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

• Use High-Quality Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds layered sweetness and authentic flavor you can’t imitate with artificial syrups.
• Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking keeps the filling tender and chewy instead of dry and crumbly.
• Chill the Butter: Cold butter in the crust creates flakier, more tender bars.
• Even Nut Distribution: Stir chopped pecans gently into the filling to ensure each bite has a perfect balance.
• Flaky Salt Finish: Use a delicate sea salt like Maldon or fleur de sel for the best texture and flavor contrast.

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Top your bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to complement the rich, nutty flavors. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can add a subtle herbal brightness and an elegant touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee, spiced chai, or black tea to balance the sweetness. For brunch, they pair beautifully with fresh fruit or yogurt bowls.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, arrange the bars on a wooden board with clusters of pecans and maple drizzle on the side. You can also stack smaller pieces in a decorative jar or box for a charming gift presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or keep them refrigerated to enjoy for up to a week while maintaining freshness.

Freezing

Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to three months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm your bars for 10-15 seconds in the microwave or briefly in a low oven to bring back the gooey, just-baked warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even mixed nuts can be substituted depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap out the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How long do Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! These bars hold well and even taste better after sitting a day or two, making them perfect for prepping ahead of events.

What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?

Use a sharp knife wiped with a damp cloth between cuts to prevent sticking and get clean, neat slices every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that brings together rich, buttery crust, nutty crunch, and that enchanting maple flavor laced with just the right amount of salt, then these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are calling your name. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a go-to recipe for cozy family nights, special occasions, or anytime you want a sweet treat that feels extra special. So grab your ingredients, start baking, and enjoy every bite of this sweet and salty delight!

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