It’s just under two weeks until Thanksgiving! This year has gone by incredibly fast but also seems like it’s going by so slow, how does that happen? I’m happy the holiday’s are here again, I love this time of year. Even though this year will be different I still feel comfort in baking for the holidays, getting gifts for loved ones, and getting to put up my tree. My husband and I have been collecting ornaments since we started dating, and we have a decently decorated tree these days! Oh-yes, I am one of those ones who will be putting the tree up BEFORE Thanksgiving. And proud of it! Don’t judge. These are definitely trying times and we all need something that brings us joy just to get through it! For me, that’s baking, murder podcasts, and staring at my Christmas ornaments. What are some things that bring you joy? I’d love to see some in the comments below!
These Maple Pecan Bars are a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table spread. They’re super easy to make, and don’t require too much of your time. The crust is a chocolate crust made easily in a food processor, and the filling is just ingredients whisked together and baked. I love to sprinkle a little sea salt over the top once these are finished baking, but that’s totally up to you!
I am also extremely excited to announce the details of my new cookbook, so stay tuned for that!! But if you need some pie inspiration, check out my book, Easy as Pie, link here!
Maple Pecan Bars
Yield 9 bars
Chocolate Shortbread Layer
Butter, cold ½ cup
Sugar ¼ cup
Flour 1 cup
Salt ¼ tsp
Cocoa powder 2 Tbsp.
Yolks 2
Maple Pecan Filling
Pecans 2 cups
Eggs 2
Brown Sugar ½ cup
Maple Syrup 1 cup
Flour ¼ cup
Salt 1 tsp
Vanilla 1 tsp
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing the parchment paper to go up the sides 2 inches.
In a food processor, combine butter, sugar, flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Process for about 20 seconds, then add in egg yolk one at a time. Dough should come together in large clumps. Turn processor off, then dump dough into baking dish. Press down the dough to create an even crust layer. Bake for 15 minutes while making the filling
To make the filling, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, flour, salt, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Add in pecans. Once the crust has baked, pour filling in and return to the oven for 30-35 minutes. The filling will appear set and not jiggly. Remove from oven and cool for 2 hours at room temperature.
Remove bars from the baking dish by lifting the parchment out of the dish. Cut into thirds lengthwise, then thirds widthwise.
Serve and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Maple Pecan Bars
