Maple Pecan Brownie Bars Recipe

Maple Pecan Brownie Bars are a heavenly combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the sweet, nutty flavor of maple and pecans. Perfect for dessert lovers and anyone who enjoys indulgent treats, these bars are great for special occasions or a simple weekend bake. With a decadent brownie base, a crunchy pecan layer, and a luscious maple glaze, this recipe will impress your family, friends, and guests.

Maple Pecan Brownie Bars combine the best aspects of several beloved desserts: the richness of brownies, the crunch of pecan pie, and the sweetness of maple syrup. Whether you love brownies, pecan pie, or maple-flavored treats, this recipe offers a decadent fusion of flavors and textures.

These bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth after dinner. The base is made of a moist and fudgy brownie, while the pecan layer adds texture and flavor. Finally, the maple glaze takes these bars to the next level, providing a sweet, nutty finish that ties everything together.

Why Maple and Pecan Are a Perfect Match

Maple syrup and pecans are a classic combination in baking for a reason. The sweet, earthy flavor of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery crunch of pecans. Together, they provide a delightful balance of textures and flavors that elevate any dessert.

Pecans are naturally sweet, buttery, and slightly crunchy, which makes them ideal for desserts that benefit from a bit of texture. Maple syrup, on the other hand, brings a unique depth of sweetness that complements the richness of the chocolate brownie base.

This recipe plays on the synergy between maple and pecans, layering them on top of a fudgy brownie base to create a dessert that’s not too sweet but full of complex flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to make these delicious Maple Pecan Brownie Bars.

Preparing the Brownie Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed in.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well-combined and smooth.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies.
6. Pour into the Pan: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan using a spatula. Smooth the top.
7. Bake the Brownie Layer: Bake the brownie layer for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. You want the brownie layer to be set but not overbaked.

Making the Pecan Layer

1. Toast the Pecans: While the brownie base is baking, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside.
2. Make the Pecan Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Add Pecans and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the toasted pecans and vanilla extract. Mix until the pecans are well-coated in the syrupy mixture.
4. Layer the Pecans: Once the brownie base is out of the oven, gently pour the pecan mixture over the top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Creating the Maple Glaze

1. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the maple syrup and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract (optional), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the glaze is smooth and thickened.
3. Set Aside to Cool: Let the glaze cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled pecan-topped brownies.

Assembling and Baking the Bars

1. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bars are cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You can do this in a decorative pattern or simply spread it across the surface for an even coating.
2. Chill the Bars: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the glaze to set and the layers to meld together.
3. Slice and Serve: Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overbake the Brownies: The key to fudgy brownie bars is not overbaking the brownie base. Be sure to check for doneness around the 18-minute mark.
• Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh, high-quality pecans will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Let the Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to cool and set fully before slicing. This ensures the bars hold their shape and the layers remain distinct.
• Chill for Easy Slicing: Chilling the bars in the fridge will make slicing much easier and create cleaner cuts.

Variations and Substitutions

These Maple Pecan Brownie Bars can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas:

Chocolate and Walnut Variation

Swap out the pecans for walnuts and drizzle the glaze with melted chocolate instead of maple. This variation adds a rich, nutty flavor and an extra chocolatey finish.

Maple Almond Brownie Bars

Replace the pecans with toasted sliced almonds, and for a fun twist, add a teaspoon of almond extract to the maple glaze. This gives the bars a slightly different texture and a more delicate nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving ideas:

• With Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm flavors of maple and pecans.
• With Coffee: Enjoy a bar alongside your morning coffee or afternoon latte for a sweet pick-me-up.
• Holiday Treat: These bars are perfect for holiday dessert tables or as gifts for friends and family.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: These bars can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before enjoying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q2: Can I use maple-flavored syrup instead of pure maple syrup?

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to use pure maple syrup. Maple-flavored syrup may not provide the same depth of flavor.

Q3: How can I prevent my bars from sticking to the pan?

Make sure to line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan once they’ve cooled.

Conclusion

Maple Pecan Brownie Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, nutty flavors of maple and pecans. These bars are easy to make, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or indulging in a weekend treat, these Maple Pecan Brownie Bars are sure to impress. Enjoy!

Yield: 16 Bars

Maple Pecan Brownie Bars Recipe

Print

Maple Pecan Brownie Bars are a heavenly combination of rich, fudgy brownies and the sweet, nutty flavor of maple and pecans. Perfect for dessert lovers and anyone who enjoys indulgent treats, these bars are great for special occasions or a simple weekend bake. With a decadent brownie base, a crunchy pecan layer, and a luscious maple glaze, this recipe will impress your family, friends, and guests.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Brownie Layer:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• For the Maple Pecan Topping:
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.

2. Make the Brownie Layer:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well combined.
• Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

3. Bake the Brownie Layer:

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly undercooked.
• Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the maple pecan topping.

4. Prepare the Maple Pecan Topping:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Fold in the chopped pecans.

5. Add the Topping and Bake:

• Gently pour the maple pecan mixture over the partially baked brownie layer, spreading it out evenly.
• Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown.

6. Cool and Slice:

• Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
• Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice them into squares.

Notes

• Nut Variations: You can replace the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Serving Tip: These Maple Pecan Brownie Bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.