Description
A convenient, portable holiday dessert that combines the gooey, caramelized flavor of pecan pie with the ease of a bar cookie. Featuring a crisp shortbread crust and a rich maple pecan filling, these bars are perfect for busy schedules and travel.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) dark brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) 100% pure maple syrup
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) pecan halves
- Flake sea salt, optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and lightly grease.
- In a medium bowl, mix softened butter and granulated sugar until it resembles wet sand. Add flour and vanilla extract, mixing until a crumbly dough forms that holds together when squeezed.
- Press the dough firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- While the crust bakes, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, heavy cream, and eggs in a large bowl until glossy and smooth. Stir in salt.
- Pour half of the pecans into the hot crust. Pour the filling mixture over the pecans, then sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.
- Return to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The edges should be bubbling and the center should have a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 45 minutes to 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment sling, cut into 16 squares, and sprinkle with flake sea salt if desired.
Notes
Ensure the crust is tightly packed to prevent filling leakage. Do not overbake, as the filling will firm up as it cools; a slight jiggle in the center is desired. For best results, use room temperature eggs and 100% pure maple syrup. These bars taste better the next day as flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 26
- Sodium: 110
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple pecan bars, holiday baking, fall dessert, no pie crust, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert