Canadian Maple Pecan Bars

Ingredients

In this Canadian adaptation, the traditional Fifteens dessert from Irish cuisine is transformed into Maple Pecan Bars. The original recipe typically uses digestive biscuits, condensed milk, and marshmallows, while the Canadian version replaces these ingredients with a buttery crust, maple syrup, eggs, and pecans. This adaptation highlights the distinct flavors of Canadian cuisine, incorporating the beloved maple syrup and adding a delightful crunch with the addition of pecans. We alse have the original recipe for Fifteens, so you can check it out.

• For the crust: For the crust:
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk 1 egg yolk
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 1 cup (250ml) pure maple syrup 1 cup (250ml) pure maple syrup
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (120g) pecans, chopped 1 cup (120g) pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• For garnish: For garnish:
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 280 kcal / 1172 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 17g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 18g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
2. 2.
   In a food processor, combine the flour, cold butter, and granulated sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. 3.
   Add the egg yolk and pulse again until the dough comes together.
4. 4.
   Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, eggs, chopped pecans, flour, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. 6.
   Pour the filling mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
7. 7.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the baking dish.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar.
10. 10.
    Cut into bars and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pecans — Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant. This will enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bars.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra maple flavor, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over the bars before serving.
• If you prefer a softer texture, reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
• Serve the bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• These bars can be made in advance and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Canadian Maple Pecan Bars as a delicious dessert or snack. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. These bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or as a sweet addition to a brunch spread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Maple Pecan Bars on a serving platter or individual dessert plates. Dust the top with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider garnishing with a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of maple syrup for added visual appeal.