Iced Maple Pecan Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the rich flavors of maple and pecan with a sweet and crunchy crust. This pecan bars recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient dessert option for any occasion.
Whether you are a fan of pecan pie or just looking for a new dessert to try, maple pecan bars are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With their perfect combination of flavors and textures, these pecan squares are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Pecan bars made easy- Cake mix!
Pecan bars are a delicious and popular dessert that are perfect for any occasion. However, making them from scratch can be time-consuming and require a lot of effort. Luckily, there is an easier way to make these delicious treats using cake mix!
One of the main benefits of using a cake mix for your pecan bars is that it provides a consistent and reliable base for your recipe. Cake mixes are designed to be easy to use and produce consistent results, which means that you can be confident that your pecan bars will turn out perfectly every time.
Overall, using a cake mix to make pecan bars is a simple and easy way to create a delicious dessert that is sure to impress. With a few additional ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can create a dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The ingredients are readily available, and the preparation time is minimal. You can whip up a batch of these bars in no time.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors. The combination of maple and pecans in this recipe creates a perfect balance of flavors. The sweetness of the maple syrup complements the nutty flavor of the pecans, making for a delicious and satisfying dessert.
- Versatile. Iced Maple Pecan Bars are versatile and can be served as a dessert or a snack. They are perfect for any occasion, from a family gathering to a holiday party. You can also customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the sweetness to your liking.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Bar Ingredients
Cake mix: The base of this recipe is one 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix (dry mix only, do not prepare cake according to box directions).
Butter: You need ⅓ cup of butter, melted, to give these bars a nice rich flavor.
Eggs: 4 eggs is needed throughout this recipe to help bind ingredients and create great texture.
Syrup: You will need ½ cup of your favorite maple syrup to sweeten these bars perfectly.
Brown sugar: Add ⅓ cup of packed brown sugar for a wonderful depth of flavor.
Maple extract: ½ teaspoon of maple extract will give this dessert even more great taste. You can use vanilla extract if that is what you have on hand.
Nuts: Use 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to give this tasty treat a great crunchy texture.
Icing
Powder sugar: For an amazing sweet glaze, you need 1 cup of powdered sugar.
Butter: Adding 1 tablespoon of butter, melted, will make the icing rich and thick.
Milk: 1 tablespoon, or more, of milk will create the perfect consistency for this topping.
How to make Iced Maple Pecan Bars
Prep
Get started by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Then spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
In a small mixing bowl, measure out ⅔ cup of the dry cake mix and reserve this for later use. Set this bowl aside for now.
Crust
Proceed to pour the remaining cake mix into another mixing bowl and add 1 of the eggs and the melted butter. Mix well with a rubber spatula and press the mixture into the prepared pan.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
Topping
Now, grab the bowl with the reserved dry cake mix and add in the remaining 3 eggs.
Whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup and either the maple or vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.
Once the crust has baked for 10-12 minutes, pour the topping over it, sprinkle on the chopped nuts and return to the oven for an additional 15-18 minutes.
Once baking is complete, remove from oven and let cool before adding the icing.
Add Icing (optional)
If you’d like to add icing, whisk to combine the powder sugar, melted butter, and milk, until smooth and to the desired consistency.
Continue to transfer the icing to a small bag, snip the corner off and ice the pecan bars however you’d like.
Slice, serve and enjoy!
Iced Maple Pecan Bars
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz box of yellow cake mix divided
- ⅓ cup butter melted
- 4 eggs divided (crust & topping)
Topping
- ½ cup maple syrup
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ tsp maple extract or vanilla
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 TBSP milk (plus more if needed)
- 1 TBSP butter melted
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
- In a small mixing bowl, measure out ⅔ cup of the dry cake mix and reserve this for later use.
- Crust: Pour the remaining cake mix into another small mixing bowl and add 1 of the eggs and the melted butter. Mix well with a rubber spatula and press into the prepared pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Topping: Grab the bowl with the reserved dry cake mix and add in the remaining 3 eggs. Whisk in the brown sugar, maple syrup and either the maple or vanilla extract.
- Once the crust has baked for 10-12 minutes, pour the topping over it, sprinkle on the chopped nuts and return to the oven for an additional 15-18 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before adding the icing.
- Add Icing (optional): Whisk to combine the powder sugar, melted butter, and milk, until smooth and to the desired consistency.
- Continue to transfer the icing to a small bag, snip the corner off and ice the pecan bars however you'd like. Slice, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What are some tips for making perfect maple pecan bars?
To make perfect maple pecan bars, it is important to follow the recipe instructions carefully. Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh pecans and real maple syrup, for the best flavor. Be sure to evenly spread the pecans on top of the filling to ensure they are evenly distributed. Additionally, it is important to let the bars cool completely before cutting them to ensure they hold together.
How long are maple pecan bars good for?
You can keep these bars stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For best results, I recommend eating them within 3-5 days because they may dry out a bit after that.
What are some creative ways to serve maple pecan bars?
Maple pecan bars can be served as a dessert or snack on their own, but they can also be paired with other foods for a delicious combination. Try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They can also be crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for a tasty breakfast option. For a festive touch, drizzle them with melted chocolate or caramel sauce before serving.
Can I freeze maple pecan bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can do this with or without the icing, but I recommend freezing already sliced bars (in serving sizes) on a baking sheet for 2 hours before layering them in a tightly sealed container with parchment paper between the layers to help prevent sticking. Then simply place them onto the counter to thaw before serving and enjoy.
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Iced Maple Pecan Bars are made with boxed cake mix, chopped pecans, and maple syrup this tasty dessert is super easy and quick to make. This pecan bars recipe is a great treat for a Fall treat or after dinner dessert for your family!
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