Description
Delightful salted maple pecan pie bars blend sweet maple with crunchy pecans, offering a beautifully balanced dessert perfect for any occasion.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, melt 1 cup of salted butter. 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 the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer. Prick the crust all over with a fork. Bake for 18-20 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the filling: In a medium bowl, beat 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 to a boil and allow to boil for 3 minutes while stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- Slowly spoon 1/3 cup of the butter-sugar mixture into a measuring cup. Gradually drizzle this mixture into the bowl with the beaten eggs while whisking. Pour back into the pot and whisk thoroughly. Stir in pecans, 1/8 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust. Bake for 28-34 minutes, checking for a slight jiggle in the center and that a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
For best results, ensure ingredients are at room temperature. Consider adding spices like nutmeg or toasting the pecans for extra flavor.
