- Maple Pecan Pie Bars

$To make the Maple Pecan Pie Bars, gather these ingredients: - For the crust: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - For the filling: - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - ¾ cup maple syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - For garnish: - Powdered sugar (for dusting) - Whole pecans (for topping) These ingredients come together for a sweet and nutty treat. The crust has a nice crunch, while the filling brings all the warm flavors together. You can enjoy this recipe any time of year, but it shines during the holidays. For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Next, prepare an 8-inch square baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes it easy to lift the bars later. 3. Now, let’s make the crust mixture. In a medium bowl, combine: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 4. Mix these ingredients together until they look crumbly. Use a fork or your hands if you like. 5. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. This will form a solid crust. 1. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You want it to turn golden. 2. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together: - ¾ cup maple syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon cinnamon 3. Mix until everything is well blended. This step helps the flavors combine. 4. Stir in 1 cup of roughly chopped pecans. Make sure they are evenly spread in the mixture. 5. Once your crust is done, remove it from the oven. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. 6. Return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed. 1. After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time is important for the right texture. 2. When cool, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. 3. Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. A sharp knife works best for clean cuts. 4. For an extra touch, dust the bars with powdered sugar. You can also add whole pecans on top for decoration. Serve with whipped cream for a delightful treat. This recipe is simple and rewarding. The taste of maple and pecans will surely impress you and your guests. To make a flaky crust, use cold butter. Cut it into small pieces before mixing. This helps create a light texture. Mix until the dough looks crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This ensures a good base for your bars. If you want a twist, try using crushed graham crackers or almond flour. Both work well and add unique flavors. A shortbread crust can also be great for a sweeter taste. To elevate the filling's taste, consider adding a splash of bourbon. It pairs well with maple and pecans. You can also mix in orange zest for a fresh touch. Try adding spices like nutmeg or ginger. These can give your bars a warm flavor. A pinch of sea salt can enhance sweetness too. For a creative serving, cut your bars into fun shapes. Use cookie cutters for stars or hearts. This makes them more appealing for kids and guests. Dust the bars with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Adding whole pecans on top can make them look fancy. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. For the full recipe, check out the Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe! {{image_2}} If you want to switch things up, try different nuts. Walnuts and almonds work well in this recipe. They add their own flavor and texture. You can also use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. For those who follow a vegan diet, replace eggs with ground flaxseed mixed with water. This keeps the bars moist and tasty. To make your Maple Pecan Pie Bars even more special, think about adding chocolate or caramel. Drizzling melted chocolate on top can make them extra rich. You can also mix in some caramel sauce for a sweet twist. Seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor, too. A pinch of these spices will make your bars stand out. If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This keeps the taste but makes it safe for those with gluten allergies. For a low-sugar option, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. This way, you can enjoy the sweetness without the extra sugar. To keep your Maple Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place the bars in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. These factors can cause the bars to dry out. For long-term storage, you can freeze your Maple Pecan Pie Bars. First, cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe container. This keeps them safe from freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, enjoy them at room temperature. Maple Pecan Pie Bars can last about 3 days at room temperature. If stored in the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to a week. When frozen, they can last for about 2 months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your treats. You want to look for a few signs. First, check the color. The top should be a nice golden brown. Next, gently shake the pan. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly. Finally, a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you see liquid sticking to it, they need more time. Bake them for an extra 5 minutes if needed. Yes, you can make Maple Pecan Pie Bars a day or two ahead of time. Just bake them, then cool completely. Once cooled, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. You can also freeze them. Slice them before freezing for easy servings later. Just thaw in the fridge overnight when you're ready to enjoy. These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess balances the sweet bars perfectly. You might also try whipped cream on top for extra indulgence. For drinks, serve them with hot coffee or a warm spiced cider. These beverages enhance the flavors in the bars and make a lovely dessert experience. In this article, we explored how to make delicious Maple Pecan Pie Bars. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step baking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the crust and enhancing flavor. We also discussed storage methods and answered common questions. These bars are easy to customize and great for any occasion. Enjoy making them your own and delight your family and friends. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of Maple Pecan Pie Bars with this easy recipe that's sure to impress! Discover a perfect blend of crunchy pecans, sweet maple syrup, and a buttery crust that creates a mouthwatering treat. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are simple to make and even more enjoyable to eat. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup rolled oats

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

¾ cup maple syrup

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust layer.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until it begins to turn golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.

Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed.

Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

- Presentation Tips: Dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving and garnish with a few whole pecans on top for a rustic touch. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat!