Decadent Maple Pecan Bars Adorned with Chocolate

Indulge in the magic of the holiday season with these exquisite Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars. Each bar features a tender, buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, chewy maple pecan filling, all finished with a delicate ribbon of melted chocolate. This delightful dessert is guaranteed to become a festive favorite, tantalizing your taste buds and warming your soul.

Welcome, dear friends! I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable weekend. My recent trip to Washington, D.C., to surprise our boys was an absolute joy! We explored new restaurants, shared laughs with their cousin Ally, and unwound with a movie – truly an awesome time filled with precious memories. Now, with the holidays fast approaching, my thoughts have naturally turned to festive baking, especially with Thanksgiving just around the corner.

Can you believe how quickly the holiday season arrives? Soon we’ll all be reaching for our most comfortable, stretchy pants, ready to partake in delicious feasts! This year, our Thanksgiving dessert table will proudly feature two showstoppers: the delightful Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting, which I shared recently and highly recommend you try, and, of course, these irresistible Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars. They are an absolute must-have for any holiday gathering, offering a perfect blend of classic flavors and a touch of elegance.

The Irresistible Allure of Maple Pecan Bars

These Maple Pecan Bars aren’t just any dessert; they’re a symphony of textures and flavors that epitomize autumnal and winter comfort. The base is a tender, crumbly shortbread crust that provides the perfect buttery foundation. Layered on top is a luscious, chewy filling, generously studded with toasted pecans and infused with the warm, inviting essence of pure maple syrup. The final flourish of a rich chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of decadence, elevating these bars from simple treats to gourmet delights. They are incredibly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for busy holiday bakers who still want to impress.

If you’re a regular visitor here, you might already know about my undeniable sweet tooth. I recently had to answer a questionnaire, and one question stumped me: “What is your favorite dessert?” Honestly, that’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite child – an impossible task! My dessert preferences are as varied as the seasons themselves. In spring and summer, I gravitate towards light, refreshing, and fruity treats. Strawberry shortcake often tops that list, followed closely by anything featuring sweet peaches or succulent blueberries. Think vibrant pies, warm cobblers, and creamy sherbet or ice cream for those warmer months.

However, as the crisp air of fall and the cozy chill of winter set in, my palate shifts. My cravings turn to the comforting, rich flavors of nuts, cinnamon, and, of course, pumpkin. This is the season for indulgent cookies, delectable bar desserts, and fudgy brownies. It’s precisely why these Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars have become a beloved staple in our home during the cooler months. They embody everything I adore about fall and winter baking: warmth, richness, and pure, unadulterated comfort.

Why These Maple Pecan Bars Are a Holiday Must-Have

What makes these Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars truly special? It’s the perfect harmony of their components. The shortbread crust is incredibly tender and crumbly, offering a delightful contrast to the sticky, chewy maple pecan topping. This recipe, crafted for a 9×9 inch baking pan, yields generously sized bars that can be easily cut to your preferred dimensions. Whether you like large, satisfying squares or smaller, bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter, these bars are wonderfully versatile.

While the chocolate drizzle adds an extra layer of rich flavor and visual appeal, it’s entirely optional. If you’re not a chocolate enthusiast, or simply prefer the pure taste of maple and pecan, feel free to omit it. These bars are equally magnificent served warm, perhaps with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, for an even more comforting experience. The combination of warm, gooey pecan topping and cool, fluffy cream is simply heavenly.

Beyond their incredible taste, these bars offer convenience – a true blessing during the hectic holiday season. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, storing them in the refrigerator, and simply bring them to room temperature before serving. This makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert, freeing up your precious time on the day of your celebration. Imagine having a decadent, homemade dessert ready to go, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday feast or simply enjoying more time with loved ones.

These Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars are more than just a recipe; they’re an invitation to create lasting memories. They’re easy to make, wonderfully decadent, and perfectly suited for any festive occasion, especially your Thanksgiving dessert table this year. They offer a sophisticated yet approachable flavor profile that appeals to everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning gourmands.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars

• Chocolate Drizzle: While I adore the extra touch of melted chocolate, these bars are truly delicious even without it. For an alternative, serve them warm with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a delightful textural contrast.
• Make Ahead: For ultimate convenience, prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, remove them from the fridge and allow them to come to room temperature before serving. This ensures the crust is tender and the topping is perfectly chewy.
• Parchment Paper: Don’t skip lining your baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on two sides. This simple step makes removing the cooled bars incredibly easy and prevents sticking.
• Chopping Pecans: Coarsely chop your pecans. This provides a good nutty texture without them being too small or too large, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the topping.
• Temperature Matters: Ensure your unsalted butter for the shortbread crust is at room temperature. This allows it to cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
• Boil Time: Pay close attention to the one-minute boil time for the maple pecan topping. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy, sticky consistency.
• Cooling Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to drizzle with chocolate or cut. This ensures they set properly and hold their shape.

Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars Video Guide

Watch this helpful video to see just how simple and satisfying it is to create these incredible Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars. Follow along for step-by-step visuals that guarantee a perfect result every time.

Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars

Author: Mary Ann Dwyer

Servings: 9 bars

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Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 55 mins

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Maple Pecan Topping

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
• 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup whipping cream
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Chocolate Drizzle (Optional)

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment paper and exposed pan sides with non-stick cooking spray.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Beat the mixture until large, coarse crumbs form and the ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Firmly press this crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and gently up the sides by about 1/2 inch to form the crust.
5. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges appear golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
6. For the topping: While the crust cools, prepare the maple pecan topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the maple syrup, firmly packed light brown sugar, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, whipping cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once boiling, continue to boil for exactly 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
8. Stir in the vanilla extract and the coarsely chopped pecans into the hot maple mixture until everything is well combined.
9. Carefully pour the pecan topping evenly over the cooled shortbread crust in the prepared pan.
10. Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350 degrees F (175°C), or until the topping is bubbling and slightly set.
11. Remove the pan from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before proceeding.
12. For the chocolate drizzle (optional): While the bars are cooling, prepare the chocolate drizzle. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in a microwave-safe bowl.
13. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
14. Once the bars are completely cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Place them on a cutting board.
15. Drizzle the melted chocolate artistically over the cooled maple pecan bars. Once the chocolate has slightly set, cut the large slab into individual bars of your desired size.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 654kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 268mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 773IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg

Keyword: cookie bars, bars

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

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