If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines the rich, buttery goodness of pecans with the warm, comforting flavor of maple syrup, the Maple Pecan Bars Recipe is your new go-to dessert. These bars offer a perfect balance of crumbly shortbread base, gooey maple-infused filling, and crunchy pecan topping that come together to create an irresistible bite every time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive gathering, these bars deliver a mouthwatering experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Maple Pecan Bars Recipe plays a key role in creating the perfect blend of texture and flavor. From the buttery shortbread crust to the rich maple syrup in the filling, each element works together to make these bars truly memorable and delightful.
- ½ Cup powdered sugar: This ensures your crust has a delicate sweetness and smooth texture.
- 1¼ Cup flour: The foundation for the crisp, tender shortbread base.
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust.
- â…› tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness, enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Brings out warm, aromatic notes.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Critical for the luscious maple filling’s smooth texture.
- â…“ Cup maple syrup: The star ingredient delivering that signature sweet and earthy essence.
- â…” Cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds depth and a slight molasses undertone to the filling.
- â…“ Cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
- 2 Cup coarsely chopped pecans: Provide a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 Cup powdered sugar: For the smooth maple glaze topping.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup: Enhances the glaze with authentic maple sweetness.
- ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract: Adds complexity to the glaze’s flavor.
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream: Gives the glaze a perfect, glossy finish.
- ½ Cup chopped pecans: A final crunchy garnish for visual appeal and texture.
How to Make Maple Pecan Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, flour, kosher salt, and 9 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend everything until it forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan to create the perfect base. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until it’s just starting to turn golden around the edges. This crust is the sturdy, buttery platform that supports all that wonderful maple and pecan goodness.
Step 2: Make the Maple Pecan Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the softened butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes luscious, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in the coarsely chopped pecans. Pour this sticky, nutty filling evenly over the warm shortbread crust once it’s out of the oven. Be generous because this layer is the heart and soul of your Maple Pecan Bars Recipe.
Step 3: Bake and Cool
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes. You’ll want the filling to be bubbly and the pecans golden and toasted. Once done, let the entire pan cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period helps the filling set so your bars hold together nicely when sliced.
Step 4: Prepare the Maple Glaze and Garnish
Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl and whisk until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this heavenly glaze evenly over the cooled bars. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top for a final touch of crunch and beauty. Let the glaze firm up slightly before cutting into squares.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are stunning when finished with a drizzle of extra maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also elevate the flavors, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the pecan’s natural nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Maple Pecan Bars with a warm cup of coffee or a creamy latte to complement the maple syrup’s rich sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream also works wonderfully, turning these bars into an indulgent dessert perfect for any season.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board or a colorful ceramic platter to highlight their golden hues. For gatherings, cut into bite-sized pieces and place them with fresh fruit or a selection of nuts to create an inviting dessert spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Maple Pecan Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to preserve their sumptuous texture and flavor. If your kitchen is warm, keeping them in the fridge is a smart move to avoid becoming too soft.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain their delicious texture.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes. Warm bars release the maple aroma beautifully and intensify that buttery-pecan flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans give this recipe its classic flavor, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes that add their own unique crunch and richness.
Is it okay to use dark or amber maple syrup?
Yes, darker maple syrup will give a stronger, more robust maple flavor, which some people love. Just keep in mind it may deepen the color and taste of your bars.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that one-to-one replaces regular flour for baking, making sure it has xanthan gum for structure.
What’s the best pan size to use?
A 9×13-inch baking pan works perfectly for this recipe, giving you bars that are easy to slice and share. Using a different size may affect baking time and bar thickness.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
When stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated, these bars stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Beyond that, texture and freshness might begin to decline.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Maple Pecan Bars Recipe brings together buttery shortbread, sweet maple filling, and crunchy pecans in perfect harmony. It’s a simple yet stunning dessert that you’ll want to bake again and again, whether for a special occasion or just a cozy treat at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your favorites to share with friends and family.
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Maple Pecan Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully rich and buttery Maple Pecan Bars featuring a tender shortbread crust, a luscious maple syrup filling, and a smooth maple glaze topped with crunchy pecans. These bars blend the warm sweetness of maple with the nutty depth of pecans, making an irresistible dessert perfect for gatherings or cozy afternoons.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- â…› teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Maple Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- â…“ cup pure maple syrup
- â…” cup light brown sugar, packed
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
For the Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, flour, salt, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the vanilla extract and press the dough evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch square baking pan. Bake the crust for about 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden and set.
- Make the Maple Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling by combining the softened butter, maple syrup, light brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches a glossy, caramel-like consistency (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the coarsely chopped pecans. Spread this filling evenly over the warm baked crust, then return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and set.
- Prepare and Apply the Maple Glaze: While the bars cool, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a bowl until smooth and pourable. Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, then sprinkle with chopped pecans to finish. Allow the glaze to set before slicing into 12 bars and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use pure maple syrup to enhance the maple flavor.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting excessively.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To make cutting easier, chill bars before slicing.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before using to amplify their nuttiness.
