Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Easy Thanksgiving Dessert
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars bring together all the flavors of classic pecan desserts recipes but in a much easier and shareable way. I first made these bars when I was looking for Thanksgiving desserts pecan pie alternatives that could feed a crowd without the extra work of rolling dough. Each square has a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey maple pecan filling, and a touch of flaky sea salt on top. The flavor is rich, nutty, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. If you are planning a tray of every flavor Thanksgiving pie bars, these will vanish first.
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Beat softened butter (2 sticks) with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt, mixing to form a crumbly dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F.
- In a saucepan, melt remaining 1 stick of butter. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream. Heat until smooth, then remove from heat.
- Let mixture cool slightly, then stir in vanilla and salt. Whisk in the eggs, then gently stir in toasted chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling evenly over the baked crust. Bake at 325°F for 30–35 minutes, until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt and let cool fully in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Nutrition
Notes
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Why You Will Love Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are easier than baking a traditional pie but just as comforting. The shortbread crust is crisp and buttery, while the maple pecan filling bakes into a caramel-like layer. You can even prepare a pecan pie bar recipe with store bought crust for convenience. These bars are also perfect when you need something similar to a pecan slab pie for a crowd, since they cut neatly and look beautiful on any dessert table.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving desserts pecan pie fans who want variety
- Portable and easy to slice into neat pecan bars
- Maple syrup adds depth of flavor for a modern maple pecan pie taste
- Can be adapted into every flavor Thanksgiving pie bars collection with seasonal twists
Ingredients for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
| Ingredient | Measurement | Substitution Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 3 sticks, divided | Vegan butter for dairy-free option |
| Granulated sugar | 1/2 cup | Sweetens the crust |
| All purpose flour | 2 cups | Gluten-free 1:1 flour blend works too |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp plus sprinkle | Flaky salt for topping |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup, packed | Dark brown sugar for richer taste |
| Pure maple syrup | 1/2 cup | Essential for maple pecan pie flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1/4 cup | Coconut cream for a dairy-light option |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Boosts overall sweetness |
| Eggs | 2 large | Room temperature for best texture |
| Pecans | 2 cups, chopped | Toast for stronger nutty flavor |
How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust by beating softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until crumbly. Press evenly into pan and bake 15 minutes until lightly golden. Reduce oven to 325°F.
- For the filling, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, and cream until smooth. Remove from heat, then add vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly before whisking in eggs. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt and let cool completely. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into pecan bars.
How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
- Add to a dessert table with every flavor Thanksgiving pie bars
- Slice into squares for easy serving, similar to a pecan slab pie for a crowd
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate
- Wrap individually in parchment for gifts or party favors
- Pair with a pecan pie meme for a fun, festive touch
Tips to Perfect Maple Pecan Pie Bars
- Bake the crust until golden before adding the filling
- Toast pecans for a deeper nutty flavor
- Let filling cool slightly before whisking in eggs to avoid scrambling
- Always use pure maple syrup for authentic flavor
- Chill bars fully before slicing for clean edges
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Pecan Desserts
- Skipping parchment makes it hard to lift bars from the pan
- Overbaking dries out the filling instead of keeping it gooey
- Using imitation syrup weakens flavor and takes away the pecan pie taste
- Cutting before cooling makes the bars messy and sticky
Storage and Reheating Pecan Bars
| Method | Storage Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature | 2 days | Store in airtight container |
| Refrigerator | 1 week | Best option for freshness |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Wrap bars individually for longer storage |
Reheating: Warm bars in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if you like them hot, or enjoy chilled for a chewy texture.
Conclusion
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate holiday treat that combines the tradition of pecan pie with the convenience of dessert bars. Whether added to your Thanksgiving desserts pecan pie lineup, a spread of every flavor Thanksgiving pie bars, or served as a pecan slab pie for a crowd, these bars shine every time. With a buttery crust, sweet maple pecan filling, and a touch of flaky sea salt, they will be the highlight of your seasonal baking. Save this recipe and enjoy maple pecan pie goodness in every bite.
