Prepare to indulge in the ultimate autumnal delight with these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars. A celebration of elegant comfort food, this recipe seamlessly blends the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin and maple with the delicate crunch of pecans. Elevate your seasonal baking with this refined and sensory-rich treat that is sure to inspire joyful gatherings and indulgent moments.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars
Delight your senses with the rich, velvety texture of pumpkin custard, the buttery, flaky crust, and the delectable crunch of toasted pecans. The harmonious marriage of classic fall flavors creates a truly decadent and irresistible dessert. Serve these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars as the centerpiece of your holiday table or enjoy them as a cozy, comfort-filled treat any time of the year.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated blend of ingredients that elevate the pumpkin pie experience. From the creamy pumpkin puree to the robust maple syrup and fragrant spices, each component plays a vital role in creating this refined and gourmet dessert.
- 2 1/4 cups (281g) – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) – Unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup (60ml) – Ice water
- 1 (15oz) can – Pumpkin puree
- 3 large – Eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) – Maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon – Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon – Ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon – Ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (120g) – Chopped pecans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version — a refined swap that keeps the balance.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute with your preferred liquid sweetener, such as honey or agave — perfect for dietary or texture variation.
How to Make Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars
Elevate your seasonal baking with this refined and sensory-rich treat that is sure to inspire joyful gatherings and indulgent moments.
Step 1 — Prepare the Crust
Begin by preparing the crust. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water and knead the dough until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and pressing it into a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2 — Make the Pumpkin Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Pour the creamy pumpkin filling over the prepared crust, then sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top.
Step 3 — Bake and Cool
Bake the Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars in a preheated oven until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden, about 40-45 minutes. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into neat squares.
Step 4 — Finishing Touches
For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle the cooled bars with a maple glaze or dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar.
Chef Tips & Variations
- Nut Variations: Swap the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts to create a unique twist on the classic.
- Flavor Enhancements: Add a layer of caramel or a hint of chocolate between the crust and filling for an extra decadent experience.
- Spice Blends: Experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of ginger or cardamom to the pumpkin custard.
- Toppings: Elevate your Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars by topping them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a steaming cup of coffee or a glass of warm apple cider.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: Enjoy these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
Make-Ahead: The bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
These Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars are a delightful indulgence that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of pumpkin’s natural fiber and vitamins, while the maple syrup and pecans offer a touch of healthy fats and antioxidants. Enjoy this refined and elegant dessert in moderation as a special treat to savor the comfort and joy of the season.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 148 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pre-made pie crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! To save time, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought pie crust for this recipe.
Can I make the bars ahead of time?
Yes, these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars can be prepared in advance. Simply assemble and bake the bars, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Can I omit the pecans if I have a nut allergy?
Certainly! The pecans can be easily omitted from the recipe without compromising the overall flavor and texture of the pumpkin pie bars.
How can I make these bars vegan or gluten-free?
To make these bars vegan, replace the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg substitute and use a dairy-free butter alternative. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
What’s the best way to cut and serve the bars?
For clean, neat slices, allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve the bars at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
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Delectable Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of fall with these Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie Bars. A delightful blend of pumpkin, maple syrup, and toasted pecans, these bars are perfect for any seasonal gathering.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the crust and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set.
7. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
These bars can be served warm or chilled. For an extra touch, top with whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Seasonal & Holiday Comfort
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg