If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that combines rich buttery crust, the irresistible warmth of spices, and the sweet, nutty goodness of pecans all topped with a hint of salty maple, then this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. These bars are the perfect marriage of textures and flavors, with a luscious filling that’s just gooey enough and a flaky, buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully. They’re ideal for sharing with friends, enjoying as an afternoon treat, or dazzling guests at your next gathering. Let me tell you, once you try this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, it might just become your go-to dessert for any occasion!

This image shows square pecan bars stacked and spread on a surface with a white marbled texture. Each bar has two layers: a thick, light beige base layer with a smooth texture, and a glossy top layer densely covered with whole, glossy brown pecans and a sticky caramel-like filling in between. The pecans have a rough texture and a rich reddish-brown color. Some pieces have a light sprinkle of white flakes on top, adding a contrast to the dark pecans. There is a small round white bowl in the background filled with more pecans, and a brown bottle at the front right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success, and this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe shines in its simplicity. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden hue. From salted butter bringing richness to the crust, to pure maple syrup lending its unique sweetness, these essentials combine to make magic happen in your oven.

Salted butter (1 cup melted + 1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust and a silky filling.
All-purpose flour (2 cups + 3 tbsp): Forms the sturdy base for the crust’s perfect crumbly texture.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup + 1/2 cup): Provides caramel notes and moisture to both crust and filling.
Cinnamon (3/4 tsp + 3/4 tsp): Infuses warm, cozy spice that complements the pecans perfectly.
Salt (1/4 tsp + 1/8 tsp): Enhances flavor complexity and balances the sweetness throughout.
Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): Adds that unique woodsy sweetness signature to the filling.
Heavy cream (3 tbsp for filling + 1/2 cup for whipped cream): Ensures creamy texture and indulgent mouthfeel.
Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the filling.
Pecan halves (3 and 1/4 cups): Give the bars satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp for filling + 1 tsp for whipped cream): Elevates all flavors with its fragrant warmth.
Powdered sugar (3 tbsp, or more to taste): Sweetens the whipped cream gently and helps achieve that fluffy texture.
Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds that irresistible final touch of salty crunch.
Ice cream (optional for serving): Perfect for an extra creamy, cool contrast if you want to spoil yourself further.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures a hot environment ready to transform your ingredients into that perfect golden crust and gooey filling. Grease your 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. This little prep step guarantees your bars will come out effortlessly and intact, making slicing and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Craft the Crust

Melt one cup of salted butter in a medium bowl, then add the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir them together until you get coarse crumbs—the key to that crumbly yet sturdy crust. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan and prick the surface all over with a fork to keep it from puffing up. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Let it rest while you prepare the luscious filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Pecan Pie Filling

Here’s where the magic really happens. Start by beating your two eggs in a bowl and set them aside. In a medium pot, combine half a cup of butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat. Stir until the butter melts, then bring this mixture to a boil and let it gently bubble for about three minutes. Carefully pour a third of this hot mixture into the eggs slowly, whisking vigorously to temper them and avoid scrambling—this creates a silky texture. Then pour the egg mixture back into the pot, add pecans, salt, vanilla, and cinnamon, and stir everything together until perfectly combined. Pour this luscious filling over your pre-baked crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your creation for 28 to 34 minutes. You want the center to have a slight jiggle—it should wiggle gently when you move the pan but not slosh. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. This balance prevents overbaking, keeping the filling gooey and tender. Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing to let the flavors meld and the filling set just right.

Step 5: Whip the Cream

While the bars are cooling, whip up the homemade whipped cream. Use a bowl larger than you expect because cream can splatter as it whips. Combine cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, then beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat or it will turn grainy. Fresh whipped cream elevates these bars to absolute bliss. I recommend making it just before serving to enjoy all its fluffy glory.

Step 6: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy

Once cooled, slice your bars into squares, dollop each with a generous spoonful of whipped cream, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that perfect salty contrast, and enjoy! These bars are ready to be devoured and adored.

How to Serve Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The image shows several square pecan bars stacked on top of each other on a black cooling rack placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has two layers: a thick light beige bottom layer with a smooth texture, and a shiny top layer packed with whole and halved glossy brown pecans embedded in a caramel-like syrup. Some large pecans scatter around the bars on the surface, and a small white bowl filled with pecans is visible to the left. A dark bottle with a red label also sits in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top fresh from the oven ensures each bite has a burst of savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra pecan halves also makes for a charming presentation and adds texture. A drizzle of extra maple syrup can be a nice touch if you want to amplify sweetness just a tad.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence. A hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a glass of cold milk complements the rich, nutty flavors perfectly. For a cozy brunch, consider serving alongside fresh fruit or a crisp salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive occasions, cut into bite-sized squares and serve on a decorative platter dusted lightly with powdered sugar. You could also serve bars in small dessert glasses layered with whipped cream and toasted pecans for an elegant twist. Wrapping individual bars in parchment and tying with ribbon makes a delightful homemade gift that friends and family will treasure.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 20 to 40 minutes before serving to allow the flavors and textures to come back to life. The slight wiggle in the filling softens and becomes heavenly when warmed gently by ambient air.

Freezing

You can freeze the bars for longer storage—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then bring to room temperature before serving. This is perfect for making batches ahead for holidays or special occasions.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or place the whole pan in a low oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) covered with foil for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve immediately with fresh whipped cream or ice cream for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?

Absolutely! If you go with unsalted butter, just add a pinch more salt to the crust and filling to balance the flavors. Salt is what enhances the sweetness and brings out the depth, so don’t skip it.

What kind of pecans should I use?

Use fresh, raw pecan halves for the best texture and flavor. Toasting them lightly before adding to the filling can intensify their nuttiness, but it’s optional since the baking process lightly roasts them too.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 and contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavors will still shine.

Is it necessary to temper the eggs?

Tempering the eggs with a bit of the hot syrup mixture helps prevent scrambling and ensures your filling is smooth and silky. Taking your time on this step makes a big difference in the final texture.

How long will the homemade whipped cream last?

Freshly whipped cream is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 to 2 days. Whisk gently before serving to freshen it up if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is such a joy to make and an even bigger joy to eat. It’s a recipe that feels lovingly homemade but delivers an impressively elegant result every single time. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a potluck, or just a special treat for yourself, these bars will win hearts and requests for repeats. Trust me, once you dive into the buttery crust and sweet maple pecan filling, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in your baking repertoire. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the most inviting aromas of pecan pie bars made with a salted maple twist!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe