Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Simple & Amazing Fall Treat

Name: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 tsp salt; 3 eggs; 3/4 cup pure maple syrup; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 tbsp flour; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups chopped pecans; Flaky sea salt for topping

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There’s something undeniably comforting about the flavor of maple syrup baked into something warm and nutty. The sweet caramel undertones. The buttery crunch of toasted pecans. That irresistible flaky shortbread base. If fall had a flavor, this would be it, and these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars deliver all of that and more in one easy-to-make treat.

In this post, you’ll discover why this is the bar recipe to keep on repeat this season. We’ll walk through the exact ingredients you need, break down the steps clearly, share expert-tested tips and delicious variations, and answer the most common questions about storage, prep, and freezing.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just craving a bite of something soul-warming, these maple pecan pie bars strike the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

I’ll never forget the first time I baked these maple pecan pie bars. It was one of those chilly afternoons where you just want to be in the kitchen with the oven humming and something sweet filling the air. I had a bottle of pure maple syrup, a bag of pecans, and very little time; so pie was out of the question. That’s when these bars came to life.

They’re everything a traditional pecan pie promises, minus the fuss of making a crust from scratch or worrying about slicing the perfect wedge. Each square holds layers of buttery shortbread, gooey maple filling, and crunchy pecans, with a hint of flaky sea salt that makes every bite pop.

My husband, who notices every flavor nuance, took one bite and said, “This tastes like the holidays.” That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper.

What makes this recipe so special isn’t just the flavor. It’s also incredibly easy. You can make the crust in one bowl, press it into the pan, and pour the maple filling right on top. No chill time. No blind baking. Just real ingredients, real flavor, and real satisfaction.

If you’ve tried my Brownie S’more Bars, think of this as the cozy fall cousin; rich, layered, and deeply satisfying, but with a more elegant, nutty twist.

And the sea salt? It’s the finishing touch that turns these from sweet to sophisticated.

The Simple, Cozy Ingredients Behind Maple Pecan Pie Bars

When it comes to dessert, I’m a firm believer that fewer ingredients often lead to bigger flavor; especially when they’re the good stuff. These salted maple pecan pie bars are no exception. They use simple pantry staples and real-deal ingredients that turn into something absolutely magical when baked together.

The recipe is broken into two parts: the shortbread crust and the maple pecan topping. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving in.

For the Buttery Shortbread Crust:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base and structure.
Unsalted butter (softened): The rich, melt-in-your-mouth magic.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel and warmth.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances depth.

For the Maple Pecan Filling:

Pure maple syrup: Go for grade A dark amber for deep flavor.
Brown sugar: Sweet and molasses-rich, pairs beautifully with maple.
Eggs: Help set the filling just right.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the maple mixture slightly.
Chopped pecans: Toasted or raw, they provide that signature crunch.
Flaky sea salt (for topping): Optional, but highly recommended for that sweet-salty finish.

It’s worth noting that using real maple syrup (not pancake syrup) makes all the difference. It brings a deep, woodsy sweetness you just can’t fake.

These ingredients come together effortlessly. You’re essentially whipping up a cookie-like crust and pouring a glossy, nutty layer over the top; similar in spirit to my Pumpkin French Toast Casserole, where humble ingredients create bold, cozy flavors.

And don’t worry, you won’t need any fancy equipment. A mixing bowl, whisk, and 9×13 pan will do just fine.

How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars (Step-by-Step)

If you’ve got 15 minutes and a few pantry staples, you can have these maple pecan pie bars baking away in the oven before your coffee even cools. It’s truly that simple. This is the kind of recipe that looks fancy on the table but is surprisingly low effort. Here’s exactly how to pull it off, step-by-step.

Step 1: Prep the pan
Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the paper.

Step 2: Make the shortbread crust
In a bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–18 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 3: Make the maple pecan filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together ¾ cup of pure maple syrup, ½ cup of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans.

Step 4: Pour and bake
Once the crust comes out of the oven, pour the maple pecan mixture over the warm crust. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30–35 minutes until the top is set and golden.

Step 5: Cool and finish
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before slicing if desired. Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

I like to chill them slightly before slicing for clean edges; similar to how I prep my Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars for best presentation.

These bars keep well and travel even better, making them a great choice for fall gatherings or gifting.

Tips and Delicious Variations for Maple Pecan Pie Bars

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of making desserts for family and friends, it’s that little tweaks can make a recipe even more delightful, or help it suit your mood, pantry, or guests. These salted maple pecan pie bars are already a crowd-pleaser, but here are some expert tips and tasty variations to make them even more unforgettable.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

Let the bars cool completely: It’s tempting to cut into them early, but they need time to set up. Once cooled, they slice cleanly and hold their shape.
Use parchment with overhang: This makes lifting the entire batch out of the pan simple and mess-free. Trust me, it’s worth the extra minute of prep.
Toast your pecans (optional but recommended): Toasting enhances their nuttiness. Just 5–7 minutes in a 350°F oven before chopping brings out incredible flavor.
Choose real maple syrup: Skip the imitation syrup. Real maple syrup brings depth, richness, and that signature fall flavor.
Sprinkle the sea salt after baking: That final hit of flaky salt cuts through the sweetness and elevates every bite.

If you’re a fan of rustic sweets with a sweet-and-salty punch, these bars have the same soul-warming energy as my Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal; both simple, both cozy, and both perfect for sharing.

Easy Variations to Try

Make them chocolatey: Add a handful of mini dark chocolate chips to the filling for a pecan-chocolate twist.
Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for both crust and filling.
Try bourbon maple: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for extra warmth and complexity.
Add coconut: Stir ¼ cup of shredded coconut into the filling for a toasty, chewy finish.

These pecan pie bars are endlessly adaptable, and once you try them, you’ll be tempted to come up with your own version, and that’s exactly how homemade traditions begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These maple pecan pie bars are actually better the next day once the flavors have had time to settle and the filling has firmed up. Bake them the night before your event, let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate overnight. They’ll slice like a dream and taste even richer.

Do I need to refrigerate pecan pie bars?

Yes, especially if you’re not serving them the same day. While they can sit out at room temperature for a few hours, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator keeps them fresh and safe for up to 5 days. Just let them come to room temp before serving, or enjoy them slightly chilled for a firmer texture.

What’s the best way to cut pecan pie bars cleanly?

Cool the bars completely, even refrigerate them for 30–60 minutes before slicing. Use a long, sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts. For ultra-neat squares, gently lift the whole block out using the parchment overhang and use a ruler for even pieces.

Can I freeze these pecan pie bars?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Once cooled, slice and wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or at room temp for about 1 hour before serving.

Final Thoughts

These salted maple pecan pie bars are more than just a fall dessert, they’re a shortcut to that warm, nostalgic pie feeling with half the work and all the flavor. Every bite delivers buttery crust, sweet maple richness, and the toasted crunch of pecans, balanced with a touch of salt that makes them totally addictive.

Whether you’re prepping a tray for Thanksgiving, gifting a neighbor, or just looking for something sweet to slice and snack on during a cozy afternoon, this recipe is the kind you’ll return to again and again. It’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and delivers gourmet flavor without the fuss.

Tested in my own kitchen, approved at our family table, and devoured faster than I could take a decent photo, these bars are everything Dailycious Recipes is about: easy steps, real ingredients, big flavor.

For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!

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Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Why You’ll Love These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars