Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie but in a easier to make and eat bar form! Made with a thick buttery shortbread crust and a gooey maple pecan filling.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 x 13 pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy 3-4 minutes.
On low speed add in flour and salt and mix until crumbly. You will still be able to form it with your hands.
Press the dough into the prepared baking dish smoothing into an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Add butter to a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat. Cook butter stirring continuously until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
Take off of the heat and stir in brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla and heavy cream until combined. Fold in the pecans.
When the crust comes out of the oven pour the pecan filling over and spread into an even layer. Place back in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. It will still look liquidy but will firm as it cools.
Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.