If you have a sweet tooth and love the comforting flavors of fall, this Maple Pecan Bars Recipe is about to become one of your absolute favorites. Imagine a buttery, tender shortbread base topped with a luscious, sticky maple syrup glaze and crunchy toasted pecans that create a heavenly blend of textures and flavors. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a joyous experience to bake and share, perfect for cozy gatherings or an indulgent afternoon snack. With every bite, the rich maple and toasted nut harmony will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to deliver the mouthwatering taste and texture you expect from a great Maple Pecan Bars Recipe. Each component plays its part—whether it’s adding a buttery foundation, sweetness with depth, or a satisfying crunch.
- ½ Cup powdered sugar: Adds a delicate sweetness to the shortbread crust, making it melt-in-your-mouth soft.
- 1¼ Cup flour: The base structure of the bars that holds everything perfectly together without being too dense.
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter: Provides richness and that flaky, tender crumb in the crust.
- â…› tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the maple flavor beautifully.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic notes.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened): Used in the maple topping for creamy texture and flavor.
- â…“ Cup maple syrup: The star ingredient that delivers an authentic, deep maple sweetness.
- â…” Cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds molasses undertones and helps create a sticky, luscious syrup topping.
- â…“ Cup heavy whipping cream: Makes the maple topping rich and slightly creamy, balancing the sugar perfectly.
- 2 Cups coarsely chopped pecans: Give that signature nutty crunch that pairs so well with the maple syrup.
- 1 Cup powdered sugar: For the final dusting glaze that adds an elegant touch.
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup: Mixed into the glaze to keep that strong maple flavor consistent throughout.
- ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with a gentle warmth.
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream: Helps create the smooth glaze finish.
- ½ Cup chopped pecans: Sprinkled on top for extra texture and a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Maple Pecan Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later. In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, flour, salt, and the initial 9 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter cut into pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the dough comes together into a crumbly but manageable texture. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan to create the base. Bake until the edges start to turn golden brown and the crust is firm to the touch; this makes for the perfect buttery foundation.
Step 2: Make the Maple Pecan Topping
While the crust is baking, gather a saucepan and combine the softened butter, maple syrup, light brown sugar, and heavy cream. Heat gently, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly into a glossy syrup. Remove from heat and mix in the chopped pecans, coating them evenly. Spread this deliciously sticky topping over the warm crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return it to bake just long enough to set the topping, locking in those irresistible maple and nutty flavors.
Step 3: Prepare and Add the Maple Glaze
Once the bars have cooled, it’s time to make the final touch: a smooth maple glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until silky and pourable. Drizzle or spread this glaze evenly over the top of your cooled bars, then sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans for a gorgeous finish. Let the glaze set before cutting into squares to reveal the layers of maple goodness nestled inside each bar.
How to Serve Maple Pecan Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but a few garnishes can make them feel even more special. Try dusting them with a little extra powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. A light drizzle of warm maple syrup right before serving will enhance all those signature flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Maple Pecan Bars are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of drinks and sides. Enjoy them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea to complement their warm sweetness. For a more decadent spread, serve with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, stack these bars on a pretty platter lined with parchment, or package them in a decorative box with a ribbon. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on cocktail picks as a sweet hors d’oeuvre. Their attractive layers and nutty topping always catch the eye and invite everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Maple Pecan Bars stay fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is perfect if you want to make them in advance for a crowd or just enjoy the treats throughout the week. The bars maintain their chewy, nutty texture and rich flavor without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw at room temperature and enjoy as if freshly baked!
Reheating
To warm up the bars, pop them in a preheated oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. This reheats the buttery crust and softens the glaze slightly, making them taste fresh out of the oven once again. Avoid microwaving, which can affect texture adversely.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans provide that classic flavor and crunch, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes if you prefer or have allergies. Just keep the quantity the same.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can try substituting the butter with a vegan alternative and using a plant-based cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different. Maple syrup remains the perfect vegan sweetener for this recipe.
How long do Maple Pecan Bars stay fresh?
Usually, they’re best enjoyed within 3 days at room temperature. Refrigeration is optional but might make the bars firmer and less tender.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pan to accommodate the extra batter. Keep an eye on the baking time as it might need a few more minutes depending on thickness.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and cut into squares once the bars have fully cooled and the glaze is set. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the warm, nutty, and maple-sweet flavors in this Maple Pecan Bars Recipe that makes it perfect for cozy moments any time of year. Once you try making these bars, you’ll understand why they’re a beloved classic in so many kitchens. I encourage you to whisk up a batch soon—baking these bars is a joy, and sharing them is even better!
Print
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
These Maple Pecan Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey maple pecan filling and a delicate maple glaze, making them a perfect sweet treat for any occasion. The combination of buttery crust, sweet maple syrup, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture and flavor balance.
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1¼ cup flour
- 9 tbsp unsalted butter
- â…› tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Filling
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- â…“ cup maple syrup
- â…” cup light brown sugar (packed)
- â…“ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
Maple Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¾ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup powdered sugar, 1¼ cups flour, 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, â…› teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Mix until the dough forms a crumbly but cohesive mixture. Press the dough evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, ensuring an even layer across the bottom.
- Bake the crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons softened unsalted butter. Stir in â…“ cup maple syrup, â…” cup packed light brown sugar, and â…“ cup heavy whipping cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently, and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and fold in 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan maple filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and bubbly around the edges. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Prepare the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon heavy whipping cream until smooth. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bars.
- Final touch: Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans over the glazed bars for added texture and flavor. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before cutting into 12 bars and serving.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the bars.
- Make sure the crust is evenly pressed for uniform baking.
- Allow bars to cool fully before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free option, substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
