- Maple Pecan Pie Bars

$- 1½ cups all-purpose flour - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened - ¼ cup brown sugar - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped - 1 cup maple syrup - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) In this recipe, each ingredient plays a vital role. The all-purpose flour gives the bars structure, while unsalted butter adds richness. Brown sugar brings a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. The salt enhances all the tastes, making each bite better. Baking powder helps the crust rise and stay light. Pecans are the star here. Their crunch and flavor complement the sweet maple syrup. Speaking of maple syrup, it provides that classic taste we love in pecan pie. The eggs bind everything together, ensuring a soft texture. Vanilla extract adds warmth, making this treat even more inviting. Ground cinnamon gives a hint of spice, while nutmeg is optional for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to skip it or add just a pinch if you like. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to create something special. For the complete process, check out the Full Recipe. Enjoy your baking! 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures even baking for your bars. 2. Prepare the baking pan. Grease a 9x9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. 3. Mix the crust ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, brown sugar, salt, and flour. Mix until the blend looks crumbly. 1. Bake the crust to a golden finish. Place the crust mixture into the oven for 15-18 minutes. You want it to be lightly golden. Once baked, take it out and let it cool a bit. 1. Whisk together the filling ingredients. In a large bowl, mix maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until it is well combined. 2. Incorporate the chopped pecans. Stir in the roughly chopped pecans, spreading them evenly in the mixture. 1. Pour the filling over the crust. Carefully spread the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust. 2. Bake until set. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a set filling that is slightly bubbly around the edges. You can find the full recipe for these delicious Maple Pecan Pie Bars to help guide you through this process. Enjoy your baking! To get the right crust, you want it crumbly but firm. Mix the butter with brown sugar and flour well. You should feel some small lumps. Press the mixture into the pan firmly, but do not overwork it. This helps keep it together. To avoid a soggy bottom, bake the crust until it turns light golden brown. This step is key. It seals the crust, so the filling does not soak in. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling. Adjusting sweetness is easy with maple pecan pie bars. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup. Just remember, too much can make it sticky. If you like a less sweet bar, cut back on the syrup. You can also play with spices. Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Nutmeg gives a nice depth, but it’s optional. Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves for a twist. These flavors can make your bars unique and fun. To know when your bars are ready, watch for a slight jiggle in the center. The filling should be set but not too firm. It will continue to cook as it cools. Cooling time is important for flavor. Let the bars sit in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld. For the best taste, serve them at room temperature or chilled. For the full recipe, check out the main article! {{image_2}} You can easily adjust the ingredients in this recipe. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that works well for baking. This will still give you a great crust. For nut-free options, you can use seeds. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well. They add a nice crunch and flavor without the nuts. You can take these bars to the next level. Adding chocolate chips gives a rich taste. Try semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a nice contrast. About a half cup of chips mixed in will do the trick. Incorporating dried fruits is another fun idea. Chopped dried cherries or cranberries add a sweet and tart touch. About a half cup works well too. Pair these bars with dessert sauces for a special treat. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of whipped cream makes it extra special. When serving, you can choose to serve them warm or chilled. Warm bars have a gooey filling, while chilled bars are firmer. Each way offers a different experience. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your maple pecan pie bars fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This method keeps the bars soft and tasty. Make sure they cool completely before sealing. If you want extra freshness, refrigerate the bars. Use a container that seals tightly. This will help them last longer. The cool air in the fridge slows down spoilage. If you need to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the bars cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the bars at room temperature. This will keep them soft. If you want them warm, pop them in the oven for a few minutes. These bars can last up to a week at room temperature. In the fridge, they stay good for about two weeks. If frozen, they can last for three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or any off smell, it's best to throw them away. Enjoy your tasty treats while they are fresh and delicious! Can I use a different nut instead of pecans? Yes, you can use other nuts. Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work well. Each nut adds its own flavor. Just chop them roughly, like the pecans. You may want to adjust the amount to keep the same texture. What is the best way to cut these bars? To cut the bars, use a sharp knife. Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set. For clean cuts, run the knife under hot water first. Wipe it dry before each cut. This keeps the edges neat and pretty. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Bake them and let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to five days. You can also freeze them for later. Just wrap them well and thaw when ready to eat. For the full recipe, check above. In this post, we explored how to make delicious maple pecan pie bars. We went through the key ingredients and detailed the steps for a perfect bake. I shared tips for texture, flavor, and timing to help you succeed. We also discussed variations and how to store your bars for freshness. Remember, these treats are versatile and can suit any taste. Enjoy the process and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of Maple Pecan Pie Bars with this easy recipe that's perfect for any occasion! These bars combine a buttery crust with a luscious maple and pecan filling, creating a delightful treat that's sure to impress. Learn how to whip up these delicious bars in just over an hour. Click to explore the full recipe and discover the perfect sweet addition to your dessert menu!

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Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¼ cup brown sugar

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

1 cup maple syrup

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, salt, and flour. Mix until crumbly.

Add the baking powder and stir well. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a crust.

Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

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

Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly.

Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges.

Remove from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing into bars.

Serve at room temperature or chilled, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins | Servings: 16 bars

- Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!