Amazing Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Okay, let’s dive into the delicious world of the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars!

I remember the exact moment I knew I HAD to share this recipe with you. I was at a friend’s potluck, drowning in a sea of predictable desserts, when BAM! These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars appeared, like a flavor beacon in the dessert darkness. The combination of salty, sweet, and nutty was unlike anything I’d tasted.

The creator of that magnificent Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars wouldn’t share the recipe. So, of course, I had to re-create it. Weeks of testing, tweaking, and taste-testing (the hardest part, obviously 😉) later, I nailed it. I’m talking pure Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars perfection.

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are EVERYTHING Cuba Queen is about: bold flavors, simple techniques, and seriously satisfying results. We’re talking about turning everyday moments into a flavor fiesta.

You know I only share recipes that bring that “WOW” factor, and these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars? Forget about it! They’re the definition of a dessert that demands attention. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor playground!

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Quality is key here, flavor adventurers!

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Don’t pack it! Fluff that flour for a tender crust.
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is crucial for that flaky crust we all crave!
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness for the base.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavors.
• 4-6 tablespoons ice water: Add it gradually until the dough comes together.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Browned butter takes this pecan pie filling to the next level!
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar: Adds that caramelly depth.
• 1 cup pure maple syrup: The real deal, my friend. No pancake syrup allowed!
• 4 large eggs: Gives the filling its richness and structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Because salt makes everything better.
• 3 cups pecan halves: Roughly chopped.
• Flaky sea salt: For that perfect salty-sweet finish.

The secret to epic Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is using REAL maple syrup. Trust me on this one. Splurge on the good stuff. You’ll find the best pecans for this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars at your local farmer’s market or specialty food store. Buying pecans in bulk is a great option and less expensive.

Here’s the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars game-changer that will blow your mind: browning the butter for the filling! It adds this nutty, toasty depth that’s seriously addictive.

Don’t stress – your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are going to be incredible! Here’s where most people mess up their Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars—but not you!

1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Pro tip for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars perfection: don’t overwork the dough.
2. Chill the Dough: Flatten the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial for preventing shrinkage during baking.
3. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
4. Roll and Press: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit the prepared pan. Press it into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Crimp the edges for a pretty finish.
5. Par-Bake the Crust: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden. While your **Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars** is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
6. Make the Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
7. Add Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans.
8. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling over the par-baked crust.
9. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. In my kitchen, this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars takes exactly 32 minutes. The center should still have a slight jiggle.
10. Cool and Salt: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This is where your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars transforms into pure magic.
11. Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into squares.

Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars should look golden brown, smell like maple and pecans, and feel firm to the touch (with a slight jiggle in the center while warm).

People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars at potlucks and parties. The presentation is key!

Cut the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars into neat squares and arrange them on a platter. A sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt elevates the look. These maple pecan bars are amazing on their own, but for an extra touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

For a truly decadent pairing, serve these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream or a bourbon-spiked whipped cream. Trust me, it’s a match made in flavor heaven.

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars absolutely slays at Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress. These pecan pie squares are also great for summer events as they are easy to eat outside.

Got leftovers? (If you do, you are a rockstar of restraint!). Cut the Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars into smaller squares and use them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.

For a seasonal twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling during the fall. During the summer, I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling for a brighter flavor. A little orange zest to the filling really elevates the flavors of these salted pecan bars.

Okay, flavor adventurers, let’s tackle those burning questions about this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe!

• Can I make this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• What if I don’t have maple syrup? While maple syrup is what makes these maple pie bars unique, you can substitute it with corn syrup or honey. However, the flavor won’t be quite the same.
• How do I know when my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are perfectly done? The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Can I use a pre-made crust? Sure, but homemade is always better! I promise, the crust is easier than you think. But if you’re short on time, a store-bought crust will work just fine.
• Can I freeze these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars? Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• My crust always shrinks when I bake it. What am I doing wrong? Make sure your butter is cold, and don’t overwork the dough. Chilling the dough before baking also helps prevent shrinkage. You might try pie weights for the crust.
• Can I add chocolate to these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars? I knew you were going to ask that! Yes, you can! Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple techniques, and seriously satisfying results. It’s a dessert that brings people together and creates lasting memories.

My Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Power Tips:

• Brown the butter! It’s a game-changer.
• Use real maple syrup! Don’t skimp on the good stuff.
• Don’t overbake! A slight jiggle is okay.

Here are a few Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars variations I’ve created and loved:

• Bourbon Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a boozy kick.
• Spiced Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling.
• Chocolate Chunk Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Stir in 1 cup of chopped chocolate chunks to the filling.

The Bourbon version always gets the biggest reactions!

I’m so confident that you are going to rock this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe. Make it your signature dish, and get ready for the flavor adventure of your life! Now go, make some memories! Don’t forget to share your results with me!

Don’t stop at these incredible bars! If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try these Gooey Pecan Pie Bars!

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Blue Bowl’s salted maple pecan pie bars gives insight on how to make your own.

Check out this recipe here: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Pinch of Yum.

This Maple Pecan Pie Bar recipe from RecipeTin Eats is so easy and delicious!