I’ll never forget the first time I brought Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert to my friend Sarah’s holiday gathering. The kitchen smelled like a warm bakery wrapped in cozy sweaters, and every guest circled back for seconds. I watched as Grandma’s old‑school folding chair turned into the busiest seat in the house crumbs in hands, smiles on faces all thanks to those bars. From that moment on, I promised myself I’d always have a batch of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert ready for any fall weigh-in on who bakes the best treat.
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Why You’ll Love Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert are a total win when you crave the rich, cozy vibe of holiday pies but want something easier to slice, share, and serve. Unlike a pie, these bars are portable, kid‑friendly, and bake up in one pan. They offer all the buttery crunch and warm sweetness you expect from Thanksgiving Desserts With Pecans but in a crowd‑pleasing, convenient format. If you’re hunting the best Thanksgiving Dessert Bars Recipes, this Maple Pecan Pie Bars version delivers sweet, salty, chewy goodness that never disappoints.
Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using pastry cutter or forks until crumbly. Stir in granulated sugar. Press 2/3 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven but keep oven on.
- In another bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the warm crust. Spread evenly. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until set and slightly puffed. Cool completely, then chill for 30–60 minutes before slicing.
Notes
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
To bring these bars to life in your kitchen, gather:
- 2 cups all‑purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans (to honor Thanksgiving Desserts With Pecans tradition)
- A pinch of flaky sea salt for sprinkling
With these ingredients, Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert turn basic pantry staples into fall magic.
How to Make Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert: Step‑by‑Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press about two‑thirds of this crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan we’re building the foundation for our Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until it’s just golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the maple‑pecan mixture over the warm crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle a light layer of flaky sea salt on top for that irresistible sweet‑salty balance.
- Bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly puffed. Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely this helps them firm up beautifully.
When you cut them into squares, you get gooey centers, crunchy pecan topping, and a buttery crust everything a Fall Desserts Bars lover dreams of.
Tips for Perfect Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
- Cold butter is your secret weapon. If the butter’s too soft, the crust won’t have that lovely crumbly structure and then you’ll lose the classic Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert texture.
- Don’t overbake. The center will continue to set as the bars cool; slightly under-baking ensures gooey, caramel‑like filling.
- Chill before cutting. Once cooled, pop the pan into the fridge for 30–60 minutes. Chilling helps the filling firm up, giving you clean edges and neat squares.
- Double the batch: These bars disappear fast especially if you’re bringing them to a party, another batch rarely survives.
Make Ahead and Storage: Prep Smart with Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
One of the best things about Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert is how perfectly they hold up and even get better when made ahead. You can bake them a full day before hosting. Once cooled, store them tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re ideal as Make Ahead Desserts For Thanksgiving when your schedule is packed. For longer storage, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week and honestly, they taste even richer chilled.
If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic and aluminum foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. They should stay tasty for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Why These Bars Stand Out Among Thanksgiving Bars Dessert Options
Compared to traditional pies, Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert check all the boxes: portability, ease, rich flavor, and texture variety. They’re simple enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough for holiday hosts. While many Thanksgiving Dessert Bars focus on chocolate or cranberry tempting, but predictable this Maple Pecan Pie Bars version stands out with warm maple notes, buttery crust, and crunchy pecan topping. For those searching for Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie, this recipe is a total game‑changer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
Can I use vegan butter or a dairy‑free substitute?
Yes. Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert will still be delicious if you swap salted or unsalted butter with a firm dairy‑free alternative. Texture may vary slightly crust might be a bit softer but flavor and structure remain satisfying.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans deliver that classic Thanksgiving Desserts With Pecans vibe, swapping in walnuts still yields a rich, nutty result. Just know flavor will shift slightly but still very tasty.
Can I make them gluten‑free?
You can try a 1:1 gluten‑free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The crust texture may be a touch different, but you’ll still get the beloved flavor of Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert.
How to reheat them if serving warm?
Pop individual bars into a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5–8 minutes, or microwave for 10‑15 seconds. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy fall dessert treat.
Wrapping It Up: Fall Magic with Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert
If you’re dreaming of a cozy, crowd‑pleasing dessert this holiday season, let me tell you Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars for Thanksgiving Dessert will make your kitchen smell like fall, bring laughter to the table, and earn you compliments without hours of fuss. Whether you’re hosting, bringing dessert to a friend’s home, or sneaking a square for yourself after the kids go to bed these bars deliver big flavor, ease, and warmth. I’ve carried my grandmother’s love for shared meals into every batch, and I’m confident once you try these Maple Pecan Pie Bars, they’ll become a staple in your roundup of Thanksgiving Dessert Bars Recipes. Happy baking, friends!