ew desserts embody the cozy essence of fall quite like Maple Pecan Pie Bars. Imagine everything you love about a traditional pecan pie — the buttery crust, the nutty caramelized filling, the warm maple aroma — reimagined into neat, easy-to-serve bars that make sharing effortless.
These bars capture the nostalgia of pecan pie but are simpler to prepare, easier to portion, and just as indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, baking for a fall potluck, or craving something sweet on a chilly evening, Maple Pecan Pie Bars hit all the right notes: crisp, chewy, buttery, and beautifully balanced with maple sweetness.
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make these golden, nut-filled dessert bars from scratch — complete with tips, step-by-step instructions, helpful storage ideas, and variations to make them your own.
What Makes Maple Pecan Pie Bars So Special?
There’s a reason these bars have become a favorite among home bakers and professional pastry chefs alike — they bring elegance and ease together in one dish.
Here’s what makes them so loved:
- Rich, natural sweetness: Instead of relying solely on corn syrup like traditional pecan pie, these bars are sweetened with pure maple syrup, giving them a deeper, more complex flavor.
- Perfect texture contrast: A buttery shortbread crust provides a crisp base that balances beautifully with the gooey, nutty topping.
- Easy to serve: Unlike pie slices that can crumble or stick to the pan, these bars cut cleanly and travel well — ideal for gatherings and bake sales.
- Customizable: You can tweak the crust, nuts, or flavoring to suit your preferences (we’ll share how later).
Whether you serve them at a family dinner or wrap them as gifts during the holidays, these bars are bound to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every layer of this recipe plays a crucial role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Maple Pecan Pie Bars:
For the Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Maple Pecan Filling
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A or B)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
Optional Garnish
- Flaky sea salt (for contrast)
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Each ingredient has a purpose. The shortbread crust provides structure and a buttery backdrop, while the filling offers that signature sticky, caramel-like texture infused with maple’s earthy sweetness. The pecans add crunch and nutty depth that makes every bite satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This helps lift the bars out easily once they’ve cooled. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until fluffy. This step is important — creaming introduces air into the butter, ensuring a tender crust.
Add in the flour and salt, mixing just until a crumbly dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, using your hands or the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple Pecan Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until everything is evenly combined and glossy.
Fold in the chopped pecans until they’re fully coated in the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling evenly over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it gently with a spatula to reach all corners.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and golden brown on top.
When gently shaken, the center should no longer jiggle — that’s your sign it’s done.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is key for clean slices and the right texture. Once cool, refrigerate for 30–45 minutes to firm up before cutting.
Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out, then transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 16 even squares or rectangles.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Enjoy these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Maple Pecan Pie Bars
1. Use Real Maple Syrup
Pure maple syrup is non-negotiable. Artificial pancake syrup doesn’t provide the same deep, natural sweetness and can make the bars overly sticky. Look for 100% pure maple syrup — preferably dark amber for a more robust flavor.
2. Don’t Skip Cooling Time
If you cut into the bars too soon, the filling will still be soft and gooey, leading to messy slices. Cooling allows the filling to set completely for clean, bakery-style bars.
3. Toast Your Pecans
Toasting pecans before mixing them in enhances their nutty flavor. Simply toast them in a dry skillet for 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant.
4. Avoid Overmixing the Crust
Once you add the flour, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can make the crust tough instead of crumbly and tender.
5. Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt
A tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top right after baking brings out the sweetness of the maple syrup and balances the richness.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are some delicious ways to customize your Maple Pecan Pie Bars:
1. Chocolate Drizzle
Melt 1/4 cup of dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a richer flavor and an elegant presentation.
2. Mixed Nut Bars
Use a mix of pecans, walnuts, and almonds for a more complex nutty profile.
3. Spiced Maple Bars
Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced twist.
4. Gluten-Free Option
Replace the flour in both the crust and filling with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour.
5. Vegan Version
Swap butter for vegan butter and use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) to make a fully vegan dessert.
How to Store and Freeze Maple Pecan Pie Bars
These bars store beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or holiday baking.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week for the best texture and flavor.
- Freezer: Wrap bars individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or let them come to room temperature for about 1 hour before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Maple Pecan Pie Bars are decadent on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert table.
Try serving them:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm maple syrup.
- Alongside whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- With a hot beverage like coffee, chai latte, or apple cider.
- On a holiday dessert platter with brownies, blondies, and fruit tarts.
Their portable nature makes them excellent for parties, picnics, and bake sales too!
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes and Fixes
Problem 1: My bars are too runny.
→ You may have underbaked them. Bake until the center is set and allow proper cooling before slicing.
Problem 2: The crust is too hard.
→ The crust might have been overbaked or packed too tightly into the pan. Next time, press it gently and bake until just golden.
Problem 3: Bars stick to the pan.
→ Always use parchment paper with a bit of overhang. It makes removing and cutting so much easier.
Problem 4: The filling overflowed.
→ If your pan is slightly smaller than 9×13 inches, reduce the filling by about 1/4 cup to prevent spillover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make yet impressive to serve.
- Brings all the cozy flavors of fall to your table.
- Great make-ahead dessert for busy holidays.
- Can be customized for different diets and flavor preferences.
- Travels and stores well, making it perfect for gifting.
Final Thoughts
Maple Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert — they’re a bite of fall warmth and comfort, wrapped in buttery sweetness and nutty goodness. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving or enjoying a quiet coffee break at home, these bars bring the best of classic pecan pie in a modern, convenient form.
With their rich maple aroma, crisp crust, and gooey pecan filling, they’re bound to become a seasonal favorite in your home year after year.
Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Description
These Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavors of traditional pecan pie with the simplicity of a bar cookie. Each bite offers a golden shortbread crust topped with a luscious maple-pecan filling that’s perfectly sweet, nutty, and slightly gooey. Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or anytime you crave a warm, comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
For the Maple Pecan Filling:
Optional Garnish (for serving):
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Pan
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper with butter or non-stick spray.
Make the Shortbread Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a crumbly dough forms. The dough should hold together when pressed between your fingers.
Press and Bake the Crust
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure it’s packed tightly for a sturdy base. Bake in the preheated oven at 175°C for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the Maple Pecan Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the mixture.
Pour and Bake the Filling
- Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out with a spatula so it covers every corner. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and lightly browned on top.
Cool and Slice
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 30–45 minutes to help them firm up. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Place on a cutting board and slice into even squares or rectangles.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the bars as-is or add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt for balance. For an indulgent touch, pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Note
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Toasted Pecans: For a deeper nutty flavor, lightly toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat for 5–6 minutes before adding them to the filling.
Crust Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or 1 teaspoon of maple sugar to the crust for extra warmth.
Serving Tip: These bars are rich, so smaller portions go a long way. Serve chilled or slightly warmed for the best texture.
