Are you ready to transform your ordinary dessert game into an extraordinary culinary adventure? These Easy Maple Pecan Bars are about to become your new obsession! Imagine a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a luscious maple filling and perfectly toasted pecans that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises restaurant-quality results with minimal effort - and trust us, these bars are so irresistible, they'll disappear faster than you can say "seconds, please!"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and flour. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes until it becomes lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Pour the maple mixture over the pecans, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center but not liquid.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan at room temperature, approximately 1-2 hours.
- Once cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 equal squares using a sharp knife.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Parchment Paper Trick: The overhanging parchment paper makes bar removal effortless and prevents sticking.
- Toasting Pecans: For extra flavor, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the recipe.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow bars to cool completely to let the filling set properly - patience pays off!
- Storage Hack: These bars actually taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance.
- Variation Idea: Try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet touch that enhances the maple flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
