These Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars have a buttery shortbread crust with a deliciously chewy maple pecan topping that’s sure to delight your taste buds this holiday season.
This post was originally published here at the BHK back on September 21, 2015. I’ve updated the text, photos and added a video just above the recipe to show you how easy and delicious these Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars are. They’re PERFECT for the holiday season ahead!
Hi there friends! How was everyone’s weekend? Hope you all enjoyed yourselves. Since Tom was away on business in California, I decided to make a little surprise visit to see our boys in Washington, DC. We had so much fun! We enjoyed a few meals out at some new places, met up with their cousin Ally and watched a movie together. It was AWESOME!
A few more days and we’ll be breaking out the stretchy pants for Thanksgiving! I can’t believe it, can you??
This year for dessert, we’ll be enjoying the Applesauce Cake with Vanilla Bean Frosting I shared here last Thursday, if you missed it you NEED to check it out, and without a doubt, these Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars.
I shared them way, way back, but decided they needed to be re-shared with a little video, so you could see how easy and scrumptious they are!
If you are a regular follower, I think you can probably tell I have a weakness for sweets. Last week I had to fill out a questionnaire, and one question was, “What is your favorite dessert?” Wow. What the? That’s a tough one. I just don’t think there’s a clear winner for me. I LOVE ’em all. That’s kind of like asking a parent, “Who’s your favorite child?” Really? There is no favorite.
What’s even more difficult about answering that question is that my favorite desserts vary with the seasons. During spring and summer my favorites are more refreshing and fruity, with strawberry shortcake at the top of the list, followed by anything peach or blueberry. Pies, cobblers, sherbet, and ice cream are among the favorites on my spring and summer menu. Fall and winter I’m all about nuts, cinnamon, and pumpkin. It’s delicious cookies, bars, and brownies for everyone, and today I’m sharing one of my all time favorite fall desserts. These Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars are a staple at out house during the fall.
These bars have a rich, buttery shortbread crust, and a fabulous maple pecan topping that is perfectly sticky and chewy. The recipe makes a 9×9 pan, and they’re so simple to make. You can slice the bars into whatever size you like. I had to add the chocolate drizzle, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a chocolate fan. If you decide to go without it, these bars are perfect served just warm with a bit of whipped cream on top.
These would be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table this year guys! They’re easy, decadent and can be made a night or two ahead of time. Enjoy!
I wish you all a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving this year! I’m thankful for each and everyone of you. There would be no BHK without you! Hope y’all enjoy your big feast and safe travels!
XO MaryAnn
A Few Cook’s Notes for Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars Recipe:
I like to drizzle my bars with some melted chocolate, but they’re equally as delicious without the chocolate, and served warm with some fresh whipped cream.
You can make the bars a day or two ahead and just keep in the refrigerator. I like to remove mine from the fridge and let them come to room temperature before serving.
Chocolate Drizzled Maple Pecan Bars Video
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
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable shortening
Instructions
- For the crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhand on two sides for easy removal. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, butter, sugar and salt. Beat until large coarse crumbs form.
- Press mixture into bottom and 1/2 inch up the sides of prepared pan .
- Bake 18-20 minutes until edges are golden brown. Cool.
- For the topping: In a medium saucepan combine maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, cream and salt. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and mix in vanilla and pecans.
- Pour topping onto crust. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees until topping is bubbling.
- Cool in pan on wire rack.
- While bars are cooling make chocolate drizzle. Place chocolate chips and shortening in microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Remove bars from pan. Drizzle with chocolate and cut into bars.
Oh my. Yes please! These look delicious and loving your photos with all the chocolate drizzle :)
I went a little crazy with the chocolate drizzle, didn’t I Jennifer?! The way I figure it, you can never have enough chocolate!
No doubt this would be a family favorite treat here, this looks incredible, Mary Ann!
Thanks so much Matt! I’m sure being married to Naomi that your house is filled with incredible homemade treats! So glad this one can be added to the list!
Mary Ann, you are killing me . I love pecan pie and these bars remind me of them. I will make them as soon as it cools down here a little bit and it feels like fall .
Don’t worry Gerlinde! It’s all about balance. I’ve got you covered with a healthy one coming on Thursday! Thanks for commenting and enjoy the day!
Yes to all of the above. These look fabulous. I love that photo of the walnuts in the buttery maple sauce!
Thanks Maryanne! You should give them a go! They are perfect for fall!
Oh wowza, Mary Ann!! These bars are fantastic! I am a huge fan of maple and pecan, especially in the fall! Turned into a delicious bar with buttery shortbread crust? I’m SO game! Love these! I’ll have to leave off the chocolate drizzle, on my half only (dang allergy), but I’m going to definitely put it on Boys half! It looks so pretty, plus I bet it tastes amazing! Pinned! Cheers! P.s. that dessert question was totally loaded! Recently I was asked who are my favorite bloggers and I gave the same exact answer as you “that’s like asking a parent to choose their favorite child!” Lol. Great minds! Xoxo
I included the “if you don’t want to include the chocolate drizzle, add the whip cream” part just for you Cheyanne! I remembered you were allergic! Even though I am a big chocolate fan, I really LOVE these bars warm with the whipped cream! To die for! And absolutely Cheyanne, great minds is right! Enjoy the day!
You had me at Chocolate. I am a huge sweets fan myself and love the addition of pecans in this!
Lol! I’m glad! Hope you enjoy! Thanks so much for commenting!
These look so amazing!! I love shortbread…I love pecan pie…and I love maple! These are perfect for me!! These look like a great treat to bring to church to share. I can see why they’re a fall favorite!
Oh definitely Jessica! They are going to love them! Thanks!
These look so dreamy – I can tell why they are one of your favorite fall desserts! They’re calling my name at 7:40AM!
You would love them Rachel! You should definitely try! Thanks so much for the comment and have a great day!
OMGeee I could never, ever decide on my favorite dessert. You’re so right.. it would be like asking who’s your favorite pet, or food or, or, or… Mine change with seasons too but pecan anything is right up there in my faves. This is divine, Mary Ann. One of my favorite things about Fall is getting back into baking. I give a lot of food away, but so enjoy baking! Thank you for this fabulous, delicious recipe my dear!
I adore pecans in anything Traci! And I LOVE fall baking. Half the fun is giving it away to friends! Thanks for comment!
Another reason why I love fall and winter – all the baking plus the layers you can wear to hide the resulting consequences.
BINGO!
I just found your blog – what a magical place! Your photos are gorgeous! I just had to pin these maple pecan bars STRAIGHT away!
What a sweet comment Jessica! Thank you so much! You just made my night! I hope you enjoy it all!
Oh I want these so badly. Very dangerous – I am sure I could eat the whole tray.
Ha! Ruby, I NEVER make these when I’m alone in the house!
Hi Mary Ann,
I just found your blog through the lovely Traci from Vanilla and Bean and I just had to say how much I love your blog. I love the name, the recipes, the whole style of it. Simply beautiful.
Lots of love from Germany,
xx Lynn | Heavenlynn Healthy
Thank you so much Lynn! I am so glad you are enjoying the blog! Having a fabulous blog yourself, you know how much work goes into it, so reading a comment like yours makes my day! XO
Is there anything I can sub for the 1 Tbsp Cristo shortening?
You actually don’t need to sub anything. I only add the shortening to make it smoother. It will work fine without it. I think you are really going to LOVE these bars!! Enjoy!
Oh, I didn’t see but you already answered my question, thanks again.
Anytime!
The perfect Thanksgiving dessert! I’m sure I couldn’t stop at just one piece!! Have a wonderful week and happy holiday, my friend!
We love these Annie! Hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving too!
I remember these bars, Mare!!! Then again, how could I not? They are incredible!!! Your video has me wishing I could get in the kitchen right now and make these for breakfast!!! These are absolutely perfect for the holiday season!! Pinned!
They’re so yummy Chey! I know you can’t do the chocolate, but served warm with some fresh whipped cream and they’re soooo good! Happy Thanksgiving!
Glad you brought these back to our attention, Mary Ann! They look heavenly! Chocolate, maple, pecan…what’s not to love here?? Pinned! Happy week ahead, my friend :)
They definitely needed to be re-shared Dawn! Especially during the holiday season!
You had me at buttery shortbread crust–and kept me with maple and chocolate! These look to DIE for, Mary Ann! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
Same to you Kelsie! So excited for the big day!
Thanks for republishing this recipe! It is so amazing. I love the combination of pecans and chocolate and the maple just adds to the overall combination.
You’re so welcome Kathy! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
WOW! Mary Ann, these look awesome! All my favorite fall treats, too! When someone asks me what my favorite dessert is (and it’s actually the answer to my favorite child question, too?)- Depends on the day, similar answer to yours. I do love them all, too! But these bars really have my name all over them! Definitely pinning – this is a keeper!
Hope you give them a go Laura! I know you’d love them. Delicious warm, with a bit of fresh whipped cream! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
I would never be able to decide on a favorite dessert. There’s just too many good ones out there! These bars look FANTASTIC though, and I cannot wait to try them! I think they’d be a great addition to my holiday cookie exchange coming up. The chocolate drizzle is so delicious! Happy Thanksgiving, Mary Ann!
Thanks so much Katherine!
You know I’m all over these bars, Mare! Lovely video too! :D
Oh, I know Traci! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
These look so yummy! Pecans, maple and chocolate. A true triple crown!
Thanks Matt! They’re one of my faves!
Just added these to my ‘to make’ holiday treats. Love everything about these!!
Yay! Hope you enjoy them!
This is to die for. These bars look like they’re calling my name! I believe the taste is amazing. I’m craving these so bad right now. Get a grip Ann. Get a grip.
Mary Ann, thank you for posting the idea. I’ve just bookmarked the page. Can’t wait to give these a try. I hope the recipe will inspire many of your followers. Look forward to your new fab ideas. I’m a real fan of what you do. Your website is beneficial. Keep up the good work!
Love,
Ann
Thank you soooo much Ann! These are a holiday favorite with family and friends!