Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, and I’m so excited to share my latest obsession with you: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that’ll have you doing a happy dance in your kitchen. These aren’t your grandma’s pecan pie bars, though… unless your grandma is a flavor rebel like me!
I stumbled upon this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars creation during one of my late-night kitchen experiments. It was one of those nights where I was craving something sweet, salty, and oh-so-satisfying. So I took all my favorite parts of a classic pecan pie and transformed it into something even better!
The result? Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars that are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, crunchy and gooey. It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited! Seriously, these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars turn any meal into a special occasion, especially dessert!
So, if you’re ready for a flavor adventure that’ll rock your taste buds, keep reading! These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are about to become your new go-to comfort food. Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! No blandness allowed in my kitchen, and definitely not in these bars. You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
No worries if you don’t have pure maple syrup. I use maple-flavored syrup all the time in my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, and they still taste amazing! This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars gets its amazing taste from the combination of the maple syrup and brown sugar. It creates this deep, caramel-like flavor that is just irresistible!
For a bolder flavor, I love adding a pinch of cinnamon to my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for that extra kick!
Here’s my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars secret that takes it from good to incredible: Use high-quality pecans! The better the pecans, the better the bars will taste. Store any leftover nuts in a cool, dry place, or even in the freezer, to keep them fresh.
Let’s Make Some!
Okay, fellow food lovers, let’s dive into making these incredible Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! This is my favorite part of making Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars – watch the magic happen! Don’t be intimidated; it’s easier than you think. I’ll guide you through every step!
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if it’s a little shaggy.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Sprinkle: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
In my kitchen, this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars usually takes around 25 minutes to bake, but every oven is different! Keep an eye on it, and when the filling looks set and the crust is golden brown, you’re good to go.
While your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is doing its thing in the oven, get ready for some amazing aromas! Your kitchen is about to smell like a maple pecan dream.
Don’t worry if your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars looks a little wobbly when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools! Trust the process.
One of my personal cooking discoveries is that adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling takes these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars to a whole new level. Try it sometime!
How to Serve Up This!
Okay, so you’ve baked these amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, and now it’s time to serve them up! This is where you get to be creative and add your own personal touch. People literally do happy dances when this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars hits the table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce!
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars:
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
- With Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds even more sweetness and richness to the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
- With Coffee: These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars pair perfectly with the warmth of the coffee.
- As a Dessert for Gatherings: These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are always a hit at potlucks, game nights, and holiday gatherings.
These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! They’re also great for surprising your friends and family with a delicious treat.
One of my favorite fusion variations is to add a little bit of chocolate to the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I love drizzling melted chocolate over the top or adding chocolate chips to the filling.
For presentation, I like to cut the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars into small squares and arrange them on a platter with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It makes them look so elegant!
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my Southern Pecan Pie Bars recipe!
FAQs:
Alright, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about these delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! I’ve gathered some questions that I’ve heard from fellow food lovers, so let’s dive in!
Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?
A: Absolutely! This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe is super straightforward, and I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps. Even if you’re new to baking, you’ll be able to create these amazing bars!
Q: What if I mess up my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
A: Honestly, even if they don’t look perfect, they’ll still taste amazing! The flavors are so good that it’s hard to mess them up completely. And hey, sometimes the imperfections make them even more charming!
Q: How can I prep this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeknights?
A: You can make the crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also mix the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the filling over the crust and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
A: While pecans are the star of the show in these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, you can definitely experiment with other nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts would be delicious.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars will last for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes, you can! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe?
A: The sugar in this recipe is important for both flavor and texture, but you can try reducing it slightly if you prefer. I wouldn’t recommend reducing it by more than 1/4 cup, though, or it may affect the final result.
If you’re loving this comfort food twist, you’ll go crazy for my Maple Butternut Squash Recipe!
CONCLUSION:
These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars bring me so much joy because they’re the perfect combination of sweet, salty, and satisfying. It’s a flavor explosion that always puts a smile on my face.
Here are My Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Flavor Secrets:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the bars will taste.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking will make the bars dry and crumbly.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon: This will add a warm, cozy flavor to the bars.
Here are some delicious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars variations I’ve tested:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent treat.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a boozy kick.
- Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
I’m so excited for you to try this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe! Trust your taste buds, get creative, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
If you’re interested in a variation on the classic pecan pie, check out this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Pinch of Yum!
I’d love to hear about your cooking adventures, so be sure to share your creations with me on social media! Happy baking, fellow food lovers! I know you’ll enjoy this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe, just like I do. This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is one I’m very proud of. For an even more decadent take, check out Maple Pecan Pie Bars (+ Salted Caramel Sauce!) – Averie Cooks! Now go give this amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe a try!
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic pecan pie, offering a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors. A buttery shortbread crust supports a gooey maple-infused pecan filling, topped with a sprinkle of sea salt for an irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Press the dough into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
- Let cool completely before cutting into bars. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecan halves before adding them to the filling. Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature.