Alright, let’s dive into a sweet treat that’s perfect for busy families craving a little bit of wholesome indulgence: Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! These bars are a total game-changer in our house. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dessert, yet feel special enough for holidays. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you, because I know how hard it is to find nutritious treats that everyone actually loves.

I remember the first time I made these. My youngest, Liam, is my pickiest eater, and he actually asked for seconds! That’s when I knew these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars were a serious win. It felt so good knowing I was giving my family something delicious and made with real ingredients. We were all happy, and that’s what it’s all about, right?

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars aren’t just delicious; they’re a little bit better for you than traditional pecan pie. We’re talking wholesome maple syrup, pecans packed with healthy fats, and a touch of salt to balance out the sweetness. It’s a treat you can feel good about sharing with your family. You will feel so great to offer this great Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Pinch of Yum to the ones you love.

I am so happy to share my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe with my fellow moms, as we all know how difficult it is to create something everyone loves and is also good for them. This easy pecan pie bars recipe is sure to be a game changer!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Okay, let’s gather our ingredients. This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand – I’ll share some easy swaps, too!

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our crust. For a slightly healthier twist in your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars, try using whole wheat pastry flour!
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Cold butter is key for a flaky crust. If you only have salted, just omit the extra salt in the crust recipe.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust. I sometimes use coconut sugar for a less refined option in my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
4-6 tablespoons ice water: Added gradually until the dough comes together.
1 cup maple syrup: The star of our filling! Make sure you’re using pure maple syrup for the best flavor and nutrition in these maple pecan dessert.
½ cup packed light brown sugar: Adds depth and moisture to the filling.
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the filling.
2 large eggs: Help bind the filling together.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
¼ teaspoon salt: More salt to balance the sweetness.
2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show! Pecans are packed with healthy fats and antioxidants.
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: This is optional, but it really elevates the salted pecan bars.

Trust me, this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. Serving this nutritious Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes may be just what your family needs!

I sometimes add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the crust for a boost of omega-3s. My family gets extra nutrition when I add this, and they don’t even notice! This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, either.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get our aprons on and make these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars! Don’t be intimidated; I promise this recipe is easier than it looks.

Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix! Here’s where I used to struggle with my Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars – learn from my experience!
Press into the pan: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Prick the crust all over with a fork.
Bake the crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This is a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
Make the filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
Add the pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour and bake: Pour the filling over the baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars should smell nourishing by now.
Cool and chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. This helps them set up nicely.
Sprinkle with salt: Before serving, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired. Don’t worry if your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars looks a little uneven; that’s part of their charm!

In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars usually takes about an hour to prep and bake, plus chilling time. Here’s a sanity-saving nutrition hack I can offer you: do your prep when the kids are napping so you can throw them together in a snap!

While your Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family! Also, check out this similar recipe of Halloween Oreo Brownie Bars.

How We Love to Eat This!

So, how does our family devour these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars? Let me tell you!

The kids devour this nutritious Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I sometimes add a side of fresh berries for a little extra nutrition and color. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and wholesome.

This Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! I also love bringing them to potlucks or serving them at holiday gatherings. They’re always a hit! The easy easy pecan pie bars recipe is a family favorite.

I like to cut them into small squares for a bite-sized treat. Presentation matters, even with simple desserts! These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars make a great mid-day snack.

For leftover ideas that maintain nutrition, I like to crumble the bars over yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet and nutty topping. My friend loved these bars so much that she went out and bought everything she needed to make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars the very next day!

For a seasonal variation, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling during the fall. It adds a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars. I know you busy moms have lots on your mind!

Q: Is this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars really nutritious enough for growing kids?

A: Absolutely! While it’s still a treat, it’s made with wholesome ingredients like maple syrup and pecans, which offer some nutritional benefits. Plus, you can always add those extra healthy twists I mentioned earlier!

Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?

A: Start small! Offer a tiny piece alongside something they already love. The sweet and salty combination might surprise them. Plus, the texture is usually a hit with kids.

Q: Can I meal prep this Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for busy weeks ahead?

A: Yes! These bars are perfect for meal prepping. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week, so you can make a batch on Sunday and enjoy them all week long.

Q: Can I freeze these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars?

A: Yes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut?

A: While pecans are the classic choice for a pecan pie bars recipe, you could experiment with walnuts or almonds. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best results.

Q: The filling seems a little runny before baking. Is that normal?

A: Yes, the filling will thicken up as it bakes. Don’t worry if it seems a little thin at first!

These maple pecan dessert are sure to be a crowd pleaser! The Blue Bowl has a wonderful salted maple pecan pie bars recipe that you need to try!

Final Thoughts:

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a way to nourish your family with a little bit of love and wholesome goodness. I hope you give them a try!

My Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars Nutrition Hacks:

Add flaxseed meal to the crust: Boosts omega-3s without changing the flavor.
Use coconut sugar in the crust: A less refined sugar option.
Serve with fresh berries: Adds extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Here are a few family-tested healthy Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars variations:

Chocolate Chip Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling.
Cinnamon Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling.
Orange Zest Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Add the zest of one orange to the filling.

My husband loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers the cinnamon salted pecan bars. Liam, my picky eater, surprisingly loves them all!

Remember, simple nutrition is about progress, not perfection. Make these Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars your own, and enjoy the process of nourishing your family.

I hope this recipe brings a little bit of sweetness and joy to your busy mom life. You’ve got this!

Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Print Recipe

These Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on classic pecan pie, featuring a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, maple-infused pecan filling, all topped with a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re easy to make and perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.

Author: Juliette
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
1 cup pecan halves
½ cup pure maple syrup
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling

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Instructions

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 fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
Press the dough into an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
Stir in the pecan halves.
Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust.
Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a deeper maple flavor, use dark amber maple syrup. Serve the bars slightly chilled or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.