Maple Pecan Bars

The Crispy Chef

Buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey maple-pecan filling — these bars capture the best parts of pecan pie in easy-to-slice form. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or an everyday treat.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 55

Total Time 2 55

Course Bars, Dessert

Cuisine American, Fall

Servings bars

Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

9x13-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

Toast pecans before chopping to intensify flavor. Use real maple syrup for the best caramel notes. Chill fully before slicing to get clean edges. Optional: add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top or a drizzle of dark chocolate once cooled.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 140mgFiber: 2.5gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 50IUCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.2mg

Keyword holiday dessert, maple bars, maple pecan bars, pecan bars, shortbread bars