There’s something magical that happens when pure maple syrup meets a buttery crust studded with toasted pecans and finished with a kiss of flaky sea salt. Every bite of these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is a symphony of textures—from the tender, golden base to the gooey, caramel-like filling and the satisfying crunch of pecan halves. The sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar is perfectly balanced by the hint of salt, creating a treat that feels both indulgent and downright comforting. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday gathering or simply craving a cozy afternoon snack, these bars bring a sense of warmth and joy to every moment you share them.
As a home cook, I’m always on the hunt for desserts that are as easy to throw together as they are impressive to serve. These bars fit the bill perfectly: beginner-friendly instructions, minimal hands-on time, and a flavor profile that includes everyone from pecan pie purists to maple syrup enthusiasts. They travel well, too—stack them in a tin for a potluck or slice them neatly into squares for a beautiful brunch buffet. The combination of sweet, nutty, and salty notes feels like a hug on a plate, and I can guarantee once you try one, you’ll be sneaking back to the pan for just one more. Ready to dive into this delicious project? Let’s get started!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN SALTED MAPLE PECAN PIE BARS
Before we roll up our sleeves and preheat the oven, let’s highlight the standout ingredients that make these bars shine. Each component plays a crucial role, from building the perfect crust to creating that luscious filling and crunchy topping. Having high-quality staples on hand ensures your final bars will taste like they came straight from a bakery.
- All-purpose flour
Provides the structural backbone for the crust. When combined with chilled butter and sugar, it creates a tender, crumbly base that bakes up golden and holds the filling without becoming soggy.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the crust and helps bind the dough together. It also aids in achieving a lightly crisp texture as the crust bakes, giving a subtle caramelized flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened)
Brings richness and moisture to the crust. Softened to room temperature, it blends smoothly with flour and sugar, ensuring an even, tender dough.
- Salt
A small pinch in both the crust and filling balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making every bite more pronounced and satisfying.
- Pure maple syrup
The star of the filling, it delivers that unmistakable, rich maple flavor and a smooth, syrupy consistency. Opt for 100% pure syrup for the best depth and complexity.
- Packed light brown sugar
Adds caramel notes and moisture to the filling. Its natural molasses content deepens the overall flavor and helps create that sticky, chewy texture.
- Eggs
Act as the binding agent in the filling. They set up into a custard-like layer as the bars bake, ensuring the filling holds its shape when sliced.
- Unsalted butter (melted)
Adds another layer of buttery richness and helps emulsify the filling, resulting in a smooth, glossy top once baked.
- Vanilla extract
Provides a warm, aromatic backdrop that complements the maple and pecans. A little goes a long way in enhancing sweetness naturally.
- Pecan halves
Offer a toasty crunch and earthy nuttiness. Evenly distributed on top of the pre-baked crust, they soak up the maple mixture while retaining their structure.
- Flaky sea salt
The finishing touch. A light sprinkle over each bar highlights the sweet and nutty elements, giving a professional, bakery-style flair.
HOW TO MAKE SALTED MAPLE PECAN PIE BARS
Let’s walk through this recipe step by step so you can achieve perfect bars every time. You’ll start by building a golden, buttery crust, then prepare the luscious maple-pecan filling, and finally bake everything into a harmony of textures and flavors. Grab your mixing bowls and parchment paper, because we’re about to transform simple pantry ingredients into a decadent dessert.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This overhang makes it effortless to lift the bars out once they’ve cooled.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed.
3. Press the crumbly dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the crust is set.
4. While the crust bakes, grab a large bowl and whisk together the pure maple syrup, packed light brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and an additional 1/4 teaspoon salt. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
5. Evenly scatter the pecan halves over the pre-baked crust. Slowly pour the maple-sugar mixture over the nuts, using a spatula to gently press some nuts down so they’re well coated.
6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the filling is just set and the top is a rich golden brown. A slight jiggle in the center is okay; it will firm up as it cools.
7. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Cooling fully ensures clean, sharp slices without oozing filling.
8. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. Place on a cutting board, slice into squares, and finish each piece with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR SALTED MAPLE PECAN PIE BARS
When it comes to presenting these bars, you have a world of delicious options. These serving ideas will elevate your dessert spread and highlight the rich flavors in each bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual coffee date or preparing a festive dessert table, these tips will help your Maple Pecan Pie Bars shine.
- Serve each bar slightly warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey filling and the cold, creamy ice cream creates a delightful temperature play that keeps everyone coming back for more.
- For a brunch twist, plate bars next to fresh berries (like raspberries or sliced strawberries) and a dollop of light whipped cream. The bright fruit cuts through the sweetness and adds a refreshing pop of color.
- Drizzle a touch of extra pure maple syrup over the bars just before serving. This glossy finish amplifies the maple flavor and gives your dessert a professional, bakery-style look.
- Pair squares with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or aromatic chai tea. The warm, spiced notes of your beverage will harmonize beautifully with the nutty, caramelized flavors in each bite.
HOW TO STORE SALTED MAPLE PECAN PIE BARS
After all that baking bliss, you’ll want to keep these bars tasting fresh and fabulous for days to come. Proper storage preserves the texture of the crust, the gooey center, and the crunch of the pecans. Here’s how to maintain that perfect balance of flavors long after you’ve pulled them from the oven.
- Room Temperature: Place cooled bars in an airtight container, using parchment sheets between layers to prevent sticking. Stored this way, they stay fresh for up to 3 days—ideal for weekend snacking.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer a firmer texture, store the bars in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 5 days, and chilling helps them slice cleaner, especially if your home is warm.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature or briefly in the microwave for a quick treat.
- Pre-Sliced Presentation: Slice all the bars immediately after cooling and store the pieces in a single layer. This makes it easy to grab one when you need a sweet bite, and it prevents the filling from sticking together as it settles.
CONCLUSION
We’ve covered everything you need to know to whip up a batch of these irresistible Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, from gathering your key ingredients to perfectly baking, serving, and storing each delicious square. By balancing the richness of butter and pecans with the deep sweetness of maple syrup and brown sugar—plus that essential sprinkle of flaky sea salt—you’ll create a bar that’s equal parts comfort food and gourmet dessert. The preparation is straightforward, making this an ideal recipe for home cooks at any skill level. Whether you’re looking to impress friends and family at a holiday gathering or simply treat yourself to a decadent afternoon snack, these bars deliver a sweet and salty bliss in every bite.
Feel free to print this article or save it for future reference—you’ll want to come back to these bars again and again. Below this article, you’ll find an FAQ section where I answer common questions about ingredient swaps, baking tips, and storage hacks, making it easier than ever to enjoy perfect bars every time. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below—whether you’re curious about adding a splash of bourbon for extra depth or you need troubleshooting tips on getting that crust just right, I’m here to help. Happy baking!
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Description
Rich maple syrup meets crunchy pecans in a buttery crust, creating the ultimate treat that's both sweet and slightly salty. Perfect for any dessert occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
-
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, softened unsalted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly.
-
Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
-
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.
-
Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour the maple syrup mixture over the pecans, ensuring they are well coated.
-
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
-
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper.
-
Slice into squares and garnish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
Note
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For additional flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon to the maple syrup mixture.
- Chilling the bars before serving can make them easier to slice.
- Use high-quality pure maple syrup for the best taste.
