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You know, I don’t bake with nuts nearly often enough. I usually have a bag or two or six hanging around in my pantry along with all of the other baking supplies that I keep there “just in case.” Just in case what, I’m not sure, but it’s never a good idea to run out of baking supplies.
In fact, I’m down to my last stick of butter and it’s giving me heart palpitations. I really feel the need to get out of my comfy clothes, put on a bra, and head to the store to get two or five or ten pounds of butter. Just in case.
Anyway, let’s get back to the nuts.
Nuts are good. Nuts are even kinda healthy, so I don’t feel one tiny bit bad about eating the entire pan of these Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares in three minutes flat. Nuts are protein! You need protein to survive!
I absolutely loved the bars and really, truly did devour most of the pan by myself. I was worried these would be over the top sweet like pecan pie usually is, but these had just the perfect amount of sweetness to them. The hint of maple didn’t hurt things either. If you’d like a stronger maple flavor, I’d suggest adding anywhere from an 1/8 to a 1/4 teaspoon of maple flavoring.
Maple Pecan Shortbread Squares
Ingredients
For the shortbread:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup softened butter
For the filling:
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoons maple flavoring optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine the flour and brown sugar in a mixer. Beat in the butter until well combined. The mixture will be quite crumbly. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 8x8 baking dish. Prick all over with a fork.
- Bake until the shortbread is browned, about 20 minutes.
- While the shortbread is baking, beat the egg, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined. Stir in the nuts. Pour the pecan mixture over the hot shortbread crust and return to the oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the pecan mixture has firmed up.
- Remove from the oven and immediately run a knife around the edges to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the dish. Cool completely before cutting.
Nutrition Information:
recipe from allrecipes.com
Terry Gagner says
I just loved these mapley squares…I used a little orange zest in filling..It made a great touch..Thanks
Rhyann says
I just made these and they were so good that I decided to share them with others on my blog. I so enjoy reading your posts and can’t wait to read more! Have a lovely day.
Manu @ Chez Manu - Italian Home Cooking says
These look sooo yummy! Will give it a shot soon! Thanks for posting!
Margaret says
Since nuts are definitely good for you and pecans are the BEST, these have to be perfect!!!
Nina says
I just tried this recipe, it’s PERFECT! Thanks for sharing that.
Taylor says
Mmm maple and pecans sound like a match made in heaven! I’m glad I have a stash of nuts waiting for me for whenever I might need them…like right now 🙂
natalie (the sweets life) says
Ha I can totally relate to feeling a little anxious when I’m running low on butter!! 🙂
grace says
i have a bar like this in my repertoire, but it’s made with honey instead of maple syrup. guess what–i hate honey and love maple syrup. replacement recipe? i think so. 🙂
shelly (cookies and cups) says
These sound yummy..and I haven’t put on a bra in too many days to even count. This time of year kills me.
ok, that was officially too much information.
Amy @ The Savvy Kitchen says
These look heavenly. I loveeee pecan pie so I am going to try these right away!
Hannah says
I am straight drooling look at these. Pecans = love for me.
Joanne says
I’m known for going to BJ’s or Costco and stocking up on those huge bags of nuts. Even though, well, I rarely ever bake with nuts. Because I don’t like them IN things only ON them. if that makes sense.
These look wonderful though. And they are definitely healthy. They’ve got my doctor-to-be’s seal of approval!
Holli says
I’ve been a lurker for awhile but I wanted to tell you how much I just LOVE your recipes and your photography…. both are amazing! Great blog!
Liz (Little Bitty Bakes) says
Although these look like they’d stick right to the back of my thighs, they look delicious. 🙂 I am a sucker for all-things maple.
Barbara says
These look marvelous, Karly! I love using maple syrup in desserts. Lovely photos…making me drool this early in the morning! 🙂