Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

The first time making salted maple pecan pie bars was a delightful experiment that transformed a familiar classic. As the scent of melting butter and warm cinnamon wafted through the kitchen, memories of family gatherings sprang to life. Those moments spent around the table, sharing laughter over slices of pecan pie, inspired this luscious treat.

Salted maple pecan pie bars unite the rich, buttery flavor of pecans with the sweet robustness of maple syrup. These bars bring the joy of traditional pecan pie into a convenient, easy-to-slice form. Each bite reveals a perfectly balanced blend of sweet and savory. The allure lies not only in their taste but also in their simplicity, making them perfect for any occasion.

Baking these bars promises comfort and smiles, reminding us that great food creates cherished memories. With just a handful of ingredients, preparing the salted maple pecan pie bars ensures a satisfying treat worthy of sharing. Let’s dive into the process of bringing this delightful dessert to life.

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Combining Sweetness and Crunch

Fundamentals

Creating salted maple pecan pie bars begins with an understanding of the core components that bring this dessert together: the crust and the filling. Each layer plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture and flavor balance. The buttery crust provides a solid foundation, while the glossy, rich filling gives each bite a satisfying chew and sweetness.

The odyssey starts with the primary elements: melted salted butter, light brown sugar, and all-purpose flour. Together, these ingredients form a base that is not only flavorful but also crumbly—ideal for pie bars. When combined with the crunch of pecans, the filling introduces a nutty essence that elevates the experience.

Preparation/Setup

Setting the stage for these salted maple pecan pie bars requires special attention to detail. Start by preheating the oven to 350℉. Prepare a 9×13-inch pan by greasing it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. This crucial step helps ensure that the bars come out smoothly after baking.

Gather all necessary ingredients before beginning the process. Measure precisely: 1 cup of melted salted butter and 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour create a solid base. Setting out the rest of the ingredients—brown sugar, cinnamon, eggs, and pecans—will streamline the preparation. Stay organized, which helps reduce the chaos in the kitchen and promotes a more enjoyable baking experience.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 grams) salted butter, melted
• 2 cups + 3 tablespoons (284 grams) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) salted butter
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 and 1/4 cups pecan halves
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) cold heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt, for topping
• Ice cream, optional for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the crust: Melt 1 cup of salted butter in a medium bowl. Stir in 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until coarse crumbs form. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Use a fork to prick the crust all over, preventing it from puffing up during baking. Bake for 18-20 minutes and then set aside to cool slightly.

2. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat together two large eggs and set aside. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine 1/2 cup of salted butter, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, and 3 tablespoons of heavy cream. Stir until combined, then bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove the pot from the heat.

3. Slowly spoon 1/3 cup of the butter-sugar mixture into a glass measuring cup. Gradually drizzle this hot mixture into the bowl with the beaten eggs while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs. Once combined, pour this mixture back into the pot while whisking together thoroughly. Stir in 3 and 1/4 cups of pecans, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon.

4. Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, checking for a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Mastering the Art of Pecan Pie Bars

Technique

Perfecting the salted maple pecan pie bars requires attention to detail. Whisking vigorously while tempering the eggs ensures a smooth filling without any unwanted scrambled bits. When combining the hot filling back with the eggs, maintaining a constant motion prevents the heat from cooking the eggs too rapidly.

Creating the crust involves not just mixing ingredients but also achieving the right texture. Pressing the dough evenly and using the fork to create pricks are essential steps to avoid puffiness that can adversely affect the final product.

Tips/Tricks

To elevate your baking game, consider these tips. First, always ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and heavy cream. Room temperature ingredients incorporate better, leading to a smoother filling.

If you want an extra touch of flavor, think about adding more spices to the filling. Small tweaks, like a hint of nutmeg or a touch of allspice, can enhance the overall flavor profile. For crunch lovers, consider toasting the pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling. This step brings out their natural oils and intensifies the nutty flavor.

Perfecting Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Perfecting Results

The key to achieving perfectly baked salted maple pecan pie bars lies in knowing your oven. Ovens can vary in temperature, so it is wise to start checking the bars a few minutes early. Look for the edge to be set, while the center retains a slight jiggle—this ensures a gooey texture that melds perfectly with the crust.

Cooling the bars completely is also vital. Patience pays off here, as slicing into warm bars can lead to a messy presentation. Once cooled, the bars gain structure, enabling clean cuts that showcase the beautiful layers of crust and filling.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Should the filling not set properly, it may indicate insufficient baking time. Give it a few extra minutes and do another toothpick test to confirm doneness. If the edges are getting too brown, cover the pan with foil to shield against direct heat.

For a twist, explore adding chocolate chips to the filling for a richer dessert. Mixing different nuts, such as walnuts or hazelnuts, can also provide variation while still adhering to the classic flavor profile.

Serving and Storing Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Serving/Presentation

These salted maple pecan pie bars thrive on presentation. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top offers a beautiful contrast against the shiny filling. When ready to serve, slice the bars into squares or rectangles for easy handling.

Pair the bars with fresh whipped cream for an extra layer of decadence. A scoop of vanilla ice cream serves not only as a lovely contrast in temperature but enhances the sweet, nutty experience.

Pairings/Storage

While the bars shine on their own, consider serving them alongside hot beverages like coffee or tea. The warmed flavors complement the sweet notes beautifully. As for storage, place the salted maple pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

For the whipped cream leftovers, store in a separate airtight container for 1-2 days at most. Fresh cream maintains its texture best when made close to serving time, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first.

The salted maple pecan pie bars are more than just a dessert; they evoke memories and inspire gatherings. Each layer embodies a warmth that brings bliss to any table.

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