Save Rich, buttery bars topped with crunchy pecans and a luscious maple glaze—perfect for autumn gatherings or as a decadent treat with coffee.
I first baked these bars for a family get-together and they disappeared within minutes. Everyone loved the balance of maple sweetness and nutty crunch.
Ingredients
- For the Crust: 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter softened, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp salt
- For the Pecan Filling: 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar packed, 2/3 cup (200 mL) pure maple syrup, 2 large eggs, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 cups (200 g) pecan halves
- For the Maple Glaze: 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, 3 tbsp (45 mL) pure maple syrup, 1 2 tsp milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make Crust:
- In a large bowl beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in flour and salt until a crumbly dough forms.
- Bake Crust:
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Prepare Filling:
- While the crust cools slightly prepare the filling. In a medium bowl whisk together brown sugar maple syrup eggs melted butter vanilla and salt until smooth.
- Add Pecans:
- Stir in the pecan halves ensuring they are well coated.
- Combine:
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust spreading evenly.
- Bake Filling:
- Bake for 18 20 minutes or until just set and golden brown. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make Glaze:
- For the glaze whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup together. Add milk a few drops at a time until the glaze is thick yet pourable.
- Glaze Bars:
- Drizzle the glaze over cooled pecan bars. Allow to set for 10 minutes then lift out of the pan and cut into bars.
Save This recipe has been a hit at every family gathering bringing smiles and requests for seconds.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking pan Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Spatula Parchment paper Wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs Dairy (butter) Tree Nuts (pecans) Gluten (wheat flour). Check labels for hidden allergens if substituting ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Calories 320 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 39 g Protein 3 g per serving
Save Enjoy these bars as a sweet autumn treat or a delightful dessert anytime.
Recipe FAQs
- → What ingredients create the crust's texture?
The crust combines softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt, resulting in a crumbly and buttery base that bakes to a light golden color.
- → How is the filling prepared before baking?
The filling blends brown sugar, pure maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth, then pecan halves are folded in to coat evenly before spreading on the crust.
- → What gives the bars their glossy finish?
A glaze made from powdered sugar and pure maple syrup, thinned with a small amount of milk to desired consistency, is drizzled over cooled bars to add shine and extra sweetness.
- → Can pecans be substituted?
Yes, walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- → How should the bars be stored and for how long?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any flavor enhancements suggested?
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the filling enhances warmth and depth, complementing the maple and pecan flavors.