Maple Pecan Butter Bars

To make Maple Pecan Butter Bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of melted butter, 0.5 cup of packed brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and a splash of vanilla until you have a dough-like consistency. Press this mixture into the bottom of your baking dish and bake for about 10-12 minutes until golden. For the filling, combine another 0.5 cup of melted butter, 0.5 cup of packed brown sugar, a pinch of salt, a splash of vanilla, 0.25 cup of pure maple syrup, and 100g of pecans. Stir until thick, then spread it over the cooled crust. Chill in the fridge to set, and enjoy your bars at room temperature or chilled!

Unfortunately, traditional Maple Pecan Butter Bars are not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can easily make them gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend you choose is suitable for baking to achieve the right texture.

If you don't have maple syrup on hand, you can substitute it with honey or agave syrup. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the flavor profile, but they will still provide the necessary sweetness and moisture for the bars.

To keep your Maple Pecan Butter Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them; just wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Maple Pecan Butter Bars pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, enhancing their rich flavors. For a dessert spread, consider serving them alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples can also complement the sweetness of the bars nicely.