Description
Buttery, crumbly shortbread topped with a golden maple-pecan layer, combining the flavors of cookies and pecan pie. Crisp edges and sweet, nutty topping make these bars perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Shortbread Base
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Maple Pecan Topping
1 large egg
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Cream butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add flour and mix until crumbly yet cohesive when pressed. Press evenly into pan, prick with fork, and bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Whisk egg, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Pour topping evenly over hot shortbread base and spread gently. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool in pan on a wire rack. Once firm, lift with parchment and cut into squares.
- Serve plain or with maple syrup drizzle or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use room-temperature butter for smooth blending.
Toast pecans before use for deeper flavor.
Use pure maple syrup for best taste.
Cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Dessert, Bar Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: maple shortbread bars, pecan pie squares, fall dessert bars, easy maple pecan recipe, thanksgiving cookie bars, buttery shortbread squares