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Crispy Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Crispy Maple Pecan Pie Bars - featured image
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These crispy maple pecan pie bars offer a satisfying crunch and firm texture, avoiding the common gooey center of traditional pecan pie. Made with real maple syrup and toasted pecans, they are an easy, pantry-friendly dessert perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (340g) real maple syrup (Grade A Dark or Grade B)
  • 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) whole pecan halves
  • Optional: Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles coarse sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to pre-bake the crust.
  4. While the crust bakes, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Let cool slightly.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk maple syrup and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking gently to avoid incorporating too much air. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. Fold the toasted pecans into the filling mixture.
  7. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbling and golden brown. The center may look slightly jiggly but will set as it cools.
  9. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours or refrigerated for an hour, until completely set.
  10. Lift bars out using parchment overhang and slice into squares. Dust with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Do not cut the bars while warm, as they need time to crystallize and set firmly. Toasting the pecans is essential for flavor and texture. Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for the crust. If using a 9×13 pan, reduce baking time by 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple pecan bars, crispy dessert, easy 3 ingredient dessert, fall baking, gluten-free option, nutty dessert

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/crispy-maple-pecan-pie-bars-best-easy-3-ingredient-dessert/