Prepare to fall in love with these incredibly easy **pecan pie bars**, featuring a luxurious, gooey brown sugar and maple pecan filling resting on a perfectly buttery pecan shortbread crust. This recipe captures all the beloved flavors of a classic pecan pie, elevated with a delicate hint of maple syrup. Each delightful bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes: the sweet, rich brown sugar maple filling, the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, and the tender, crumbly embrace of the pecan shortbread base.

These maple pecan pie bars are truly a dessert marvel, embodying everything you adore about traditional pecan pie and even pecan pralines, with the added magic of maple sweetness and a unique pecan-infused shortbread crust. The delicate, buttery shortbread perfectly balances the intensely sweet pecan filling, offering a delightful crumbly contrast that makes each mouthful utterly irresistible.

I originally crafted and shared this treasured recipe back in 2014, and since then, it has cultivated a loyal following. Many dedicated readers now tell tales of bringing these exquisite bars to Thanksgiving gatherings, where they’ve become such a hit that they’re practically forbidden from bringing anything else! While these bars steal the show, let’s hope someone else is still bringing the other holiday classics like easy pumpkin pie, creamy sweet potato pie, classic apple pie, and sweet cherry pie! After all, variety is the spice of life, especially during the holidays.

If you’re ever fortunate enough to join me at a holiday celebration, you’ll know that I rarely arrive with fewer than five different pies, regardless of the guest count. And you might just get to savor these delectable cinnamon almond bars too! But today, our focus is on these magnificent pecan pie bars – a dessert that truly deserves its star status.

**Why You Will Adore This Easy Pecan Pie Bar Recipe:**

• Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe simplifies the art of creating a show-stopping dessert. The shortbread crust effortlessly presses into your pan, saving you the fuss of a traditional pie crust, while the rich pecan bar filling comes together with a simple whisk! It’s all the complexity of flavor with none of the complication.
• Silky Smooth & Rich Filling: Based on my acclaimed bourbon pecan pie, this filling boasts an incredibly silky smooth texture and a deeply rich, perfectly balanced flavor profile. It’s truly the star of these bars, delivering that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth pecan pie experience.
• A Harmony of Flavors & Textures: Every bite is a delightful exploration of contrasts. You get the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, the luscious creaminess of the filling, and the tender, crumbly goodness of the shortbread base. The sweet and inviting maple brown sugar filling creates a beautiful counterpoint to the subtly savory pecan shortbread, making for an utterly irresistible treat.

**Professional Tips for Making Your Best Pecan Pie Bars:**

• Always Pre-Bake the Shortbread Crust: This is a non-negotiable step for achieving perfection! Baking the shortbread crust until it’s a beautiful golden brown *before* adding the filling ensures it remains wonderfully soft, flaky, and crispy long after the bars are baked and sliced. It’s the secret to avoiding a soggy bottom and a trick I use for many shortbread recipes, including my popular chocolate chip shortbread cookies.
• Pre-Cook the Pecan Filling for Optimal Set: Just like my secret to the perfect classic pecan pie, the key to a thick, beautifully sliceable layer of filling in these bars is to cook the filling gently over a water bath while your crust is pre-baking. This initial cooking helps to lightly thicken the mixture, ensuring it sets perfectly without being runny and gives you those clean, stunning slices.
• Patience is Key: Cool Completely Before Slicing: This step is critical! The luscious pecan filling needs ample time to cool and properly set. If you attempt to slice the bars too early, the filling will be loose and likely squish out, ruining those perfect squares. Resist the temptation and allow them to cool fully for the best results.

Essential Ingredients for Your Homemade Pecan Pie Bars

Crafting these delectable pecan pie bars requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and rich flavor:

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our tender, crumbly shortbread crust, providing structure and a delicate texture.
• Cornstarch: A secret ingredient in the crust that helps create a wonderfully tender and crisp shortbread texture, preventing it from becoming too dense.
• Butter: For both the crust and the filling, I strongly recommend using unsalted butter. This allows you complete control over the saltiness and flavor balance of your bars. Ensure it’s at room temperature for the crust to blend properly.
• Dark Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness! Dark brown sugar infuses the filling with a deep, rich molasses flavor that is absolutely essential for that classic pecan pie taste and contributes to its gooey texture.
• Kosher Salt: A vital flavor enhancer. Kosher salt is less intensely salty than table salt, and its larger crystals mean a teaspoon weighs less than finer-ground varieties. It brightens and balances the sweetness of the bars, preventing them from tasting dull or overly saccharine.
• Whole Eggs: Large eggs are crucial for thickening the custard-like filling, much like in a traditional chocolate pie or pumpkin pie. Yes, these bars are indeed a type of baked custard, and eggs provide the necessary structure and richness.
• Maple Syrup: Beyond adding a delightful sweetness and distinct flavor, maple syrup also plays a role in thickening the filling. For the best results, use a high-quality “Grade A: dark amber color and robust flavor” or even a darker grade. Superior grades are typically thicker and less watery, which is important for the filling’s consistency.
• Light Corn Syrup: This ingredient is primarily for thickening the pecan pie filling, helping to achieve that signature gooey yet firm texture. While you can substitute light corn syrup with glucose or golden syrup, omitting it entirely carries a greater risk of a runnier filling.
• Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla adds warmth and depth to the sweet filling, complementing the maple and pecan notes beautifully.
• Pecans: Similar to my chocolate pecan pie recipe, I recommend using toasted, chopped pecans. Toasting them intensifies their nutty flavor, which provides a wonderful balance to the sweet filling. Chopping them (or buying them pre-chopped) ensures easier slicing of the bars and a more even distribution of nutty goodness in every bite.

For precise measurements and detailed quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down.

**Exciting Variations & Substitutions for Your Pecan Pie Bars**

While these maple pecan pie bars are perfect as written, don’t hesitate to get creative! Here are some fantastic ways to customize them to your taste:

• Indulge with Chocolate or Bourbon: Elevate your bars by adding up to ½ cup of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips directly into the filling, just like I do with these delightful chocolate pecan tassies! For an adult twist, incorporate 2 tablespoons of Bourbon whiskey into the filling as the recipe suggests. Or, for the ultimate decadent treat, combine both for a truly boozy chocolate pecan experience, reminiscent of my bourbon chocolate pecan tart.
• Corn Syrup Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the light corn syrup with an equal amount of glucose syrup or golden syrup. These alternatives will provide a similar thickening and sweetening effect. While you can omit corn syrup entirely, be aware that your filling may be slightly looser in consistency, though still delicious.
• Experiment with Other Nuts: Who says pecan pie bars can only feature pecans? Other nuts taste absolutely fantastic in this recipe! Try incorporating toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. You can even create a delightful mix of your favorite nuts. For the best texture and ease of slicing, I highly recommend chopping all nuts, regardless of the variety.
• Choose a Different Crust: If you’re looking for a simpler crust or prefer not to have pecans in the base, you can easily use a plain shortbread recipe. My classic Scottish shortbread recipe or even a pâte sucrée (sweet pastry crust) would make an excellent alternative base for these bars.

**How to Make Delicious Maple Pecan Pie Bars Step-by-Step**

Follow these detailed instructions to create thick, chewy, and utterly irresistible pecan pie bars. More precise measurements and additional insights are available in the recipe card below.

**Prepare the Gooey Pecan Filling:**

The secret to a perfectly set, flavorful filling starts here!

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter an 8-inch square baking pan to ensure easy release. In a large saucepot, bring about 1 inch of water to a gentle simmer. This will create a makeshift double boiler, essential for perfectly cooking our filling.

Step 2: Place a medium, heatproof bowl directly over the simmering water in the saucepan. It’s crucial that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Add your unsalted butter to this bowl and allow it to melt completely over the gentle heat.

Step 3: Once the butter is melted, carefully remove the bowl from the heat. Stir in the dark brown sugar and kosher salt, whisking vigorously until they are fully combined with the melted butter, forming a smooth mixture. Next, whisk in the eggs, maple syrup, light corn syrup, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Return the bowl to the simmering saucepot and let the filling cook, stirring occasionally, until your shortbread crust is ready. During this time, the filling should become visibly shiny and slightly thickened, potentially reaching a temperature of 130°F (54°C) if you’re using a thermometer.

**Craft the Buttery Pecan Shortbread Crust:**

A sturdy yet tender base is what elevates these bars.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans (for extra pecan flavor!), cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Add the softened unsalted butter to this dry mixture. Work the butter into the flour using a pastry fork, a pastry cutter, or even your hands, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs and can be pressed together.

Step 5: Firmly press the crust mixture evenly into your generously buttered (or parchment-lined) 8-inch square baking dish. Ensure it covers the bottom evenly. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the edges of the crust have turned a light golden brown. This pre-baking step is essential for a crisp, non-soggy crust.

**Assemble & Bake Your Irresistible Bars:**

Bringing it all together for the grand finale.

Step 6: Once your pre-baked crust is ready, carefully add the coarsely chopped, toasted pecans to your pre-cooked filling mixture and give it a good stir. Immediately pour this warm, flavorful filling over the hot shortbread crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 22 minutes. The bars are ready when the filling appears set but still has a slight jiggle, similar to Jell-O, when gently pressed with the back of a spoon or your finger. It should not be completely liquid but should also not feel stiff.

Step 8: Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely on a wire rack. This critical cooling period allows the filling to fully set, ensuring clean, perfect slices. Once cooled, cut them into squares. For an extra touch of indulgence, don’t forget to serve them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a decadent drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce!

**Frequently Asked Questions About Pecan Pie Bars**

If you tried this fantastic recipe and absolutely loved it, please take a moment to leave a 🌟 star rating and share your experience in the comments below. I truly value your feedback; your comments brighten my day and help others discover great recipes!

Before You Go! Discover More Delicious Treats!

I genuinely hope you thoroughly enjoyed preparing and tasting this professional chef-tested recipe for maple pecan pie bars. It’s truly a delight! Don’t stop your culinary adventure here; be sure to explore our other equally delicious and chef-developed brownies & bar recipes for more sweet inspiration. And if you’re looking for the ultimate accompaniment, consider topping your pecan pie bars with a scoop of my rich, homemade Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe!