These iced brown butter pecan bars are a fun and flavorful take on the classic pecan pie! With a buttery, crisp crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling made with brown butter and maple syrup, these bars are the perfect treat for fall or any time you’re craving something sweet and nutty. Serve them with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. The best part? They’re easier to make than pie, so you can whip them up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love these bars for their irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The crust is buttery and crisp, while the filling is rich, nutty, and sweet with a hint of caramel from the brown butter. The pecans add the perfect crunch, and the touch of maple syrup gives the bars a delightful depth of flavor. These bars are simple to make but taste like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. They’re great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or just because you want a special treat!
Perfect Occasion: These iced brown butter pecan bars are perfect for holiday desserts, family gatherings, or even as a mid-week indulgence. Whether you’re serving them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a casual get-together, these bars will be a crowd-pleaser. They’re also great for making ahead of time and bringing to potlucks or bake sales. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Decoration Tips: To take these bars to the next level, drizzle a simple icing over the top once they’ve cooled for a beautiful finish. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board for a cozy, homestyle presentation. For extra flair, top with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving with ice cream.
Ingredients for the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Ingredients for the Pecan Filling:
- 1/2 cup brown butter (start with 1/2 cup butter and brown it)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. - Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until well combined, and the mixture resembles a crumbly dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. - Bake the Crust:
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. - Make the Pecan Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook it until it becomes browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once browned, remove from heat and add the maple syrup and brown sugar. Stir well and bring to a boil for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. - Add the Pecans:
Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the brown butter mixture. - Assemble the Bars:
Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Let the bars cool for about 20 minutes at room temperature. - Refrigerate:
Once the bars have cooled slightly, transfer the baking dish to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will help the filling set and make it easier to cut into clean bars. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bars are fully set, remove them from the fridge, slice them into squares, and serve! These bars are especially delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Enjoy your rich, buttery, and nutty brown butter pecan bars—perfect for any occasion!
Storage Tip:
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the bars for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge before serving.
