If you love the rich, nutty flavor of pecan pie but want something easier to make (and even more irresistible), Maple Pecan Bars are your new go-to dessert. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey maple-pecan filling — a luscious blend of caramelized maple syrup, brown sugar, and toasted pecans baked to golden perfection.
They deliver all the decadence of a pecan pie in a bite-sized, shareable form, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weekend treat. Each bar has that irresistible combination of a crisp base, chewy caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecan topping that makes them utterly addictive.
Why You’ll Love Maple Pecan Bars
- Easier than pie: No rolling, chilling, or shaping — just press and bake.
- Maple flavor upgrade: The use of real maple syrup adds depth and natural sweetness.
- Perfect texture: Buttery shortbread base meets gooey, crunchy topping.
- Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and store for stress-free entertaining.
- Crowd favorite: Elegant enough for parties but simple enough for everyday baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Maple Pecan Filling
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon for extra flavor complexity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the flour and salt and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring it’s compact and level.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple Pecan Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth and glossy. Stir in the chopped pecans until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling evenly over the baked shortbread crust. Spread the pecans so they’re distributed evenly across the surface.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and just set in the center. It should still look a little soft — it will firm up as it cools.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, at least 2 hours. Once set, lift them out using the parchment paper and slice into squares or rectangles.
For clean edges, chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing.
Flavor and Texture Profile
These Maple Pecan Bars strike the perfect balance between sweet and nutty. The shortbread crust is buttery and crumbly, creating a delicate base that melts in your mouth. The filling is rich and chewy with a deep maple flavor, enhanced by toasted pecans that add crunch and warmth.
Each bite delivers layers of texture — crisp, soft, gooey, and nutty — reminiscent of classic pecan pie but with a lighter, more refined touch.
Tips for the Best Maple Pecan Bars
- Toast your pecans: Toasting brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor. Bake them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes before chopping.
- Use pure maple syrup: Avoid artificial syrups; real maple syrup gives authentic depth and caramel notes.
- Cool completely: Cutting too soon can make the filling ooze out. Patience pays off.
- Add salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds contrast and enhances sweetness.
- Chill before slicing: Helps achieve clean, bakery-style edges.
Variations and Add-Ons
- Maple Bourbon Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once cooled, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
- Spiced Pecan Bars: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the filling for a cozy flavor.
- Nut Mix: Combine pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for variety.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute crust flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
These bars are perfect for prepping ahead. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months, layered with parchment paper. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
They’re an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving or holiday cookie boxes — sturdy, transportable, and crowd-pleasing.
Serving Suggestions
Maple Pecan Bars are delicious on their own, but even better with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty, rustic finish.
- A mug of coffee or spiced chai latte for the perfect pairing.
They also make a beautiful addition to dessert platters and bake-sale spreads.
Nutritional Snapshot
Each bar (based on 16 servings) contains approximately:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 22g
Though rich, they’re made with real ingredients — butter, nuts, and maple syrup — for a dessert that’s worth every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yes, but the flavor will change slightly. Maple syrup provides a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that honey doesn’t replicate exactly.
How can I prevent the filling from being runny?
Ensure the filling simmers briefly before adding the eggs and bake until just set. Cooling completely allows the filling to firm up.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. Substitute coconut oil for butter in the crust and full-fat coconut milk for heavy cream.
Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely. Try a graham cracker crust or an almond flour base for a gluten-free or nutty variation.
Why are my bars hard after baking?
They may have been overbaked. The filling should still be slightly soft when removed from the oven — it will firm as it cools.
Maple Pecan Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for crust)
- ¼ tsp salt (for crust)
- ¾ cup pure maple syrup
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt (for filling)
- 2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
- optional pinch of cinnamon or 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the shortbread crust: beat softened butter and ½ cup granulated sugar until creamy. Add the flour and ¼ tsp salt and mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the maple-pecan filling: in a saucepan, combine maple syrup, packed brown sugar, heavy cream, and 4 tbsp butter. Warm over medium heat until butter melts and sugar dissolves; let simmer gently 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
- Whisk in the eggs, vanilla, and ¼ tsp salt until smooth and glossy. Stir in the toasted chopped pecans (and cinnamon or bourbon if using).
- Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and just set in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). For cleaner slices, chill 30 minutes in the refrigerator before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Maple Pecan Bars are everything you love about fall desserts — buttery, nutty, gooey, and full of rich maple flavor. They take the nostalgia of pecan pie and transform it into a simple, elegant bar that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself).
With their crisp shortbread base, sweet maple filling, and caramelized pecan topping, these bars are pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something special with your coffee, this recipe promises to deliver that irresistible “one more piece” kind of satisfaction.
