Maple Pecan Bars
Prep Time
8 minsCook Time
8-10 minsFree Time
to rehearse your acceptance speech for "World's Best Microwave Chef."
These dessert bars sit on a buttery shortbread base and are topped with a rich filling of creamy condensed milk, maple syrup, pecans, and chocolate chips. The result? A mouthwatering combination of smooth, sweet, and nutty flavors. Let the bars cool completely before cutting to keep their shape — though a few crumbles here and there just add to the delicious texture. When using an Anyday dish, you can cook, serve, and store these bars all in one dish, making cleanup effortless.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
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The Small Square Dish
Flash-steam small portions of food in the microwave, evenly reheat leftovers, or store food in the fridge with the lid’s airtight seal.
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
For the crust
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
For the filling
- ¼ cup (60ml) sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup (50g) pecan halves and pieces
- ¼ cup (40g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Preparation
- Line a Square dish with parchment paper, making sure it fits snugly on the bottom, and set aside.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, mix the melted butter, flour and sugar until it forms a sticky dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the dish to create the crust.
- Cook in the microwave uncovered for 2-3 minutes, or until the surface looks matte and firm to the touch. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine the condensed milk, maple syrup, salt, butter, vanilla, and cornstarch. Mix until smooth and then stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour the filling over the cooled shortbread base and cook in the microwave uncovered at Power Level 5tooltip for 6-7 minutes, or until the filling is set when gently shaken.
- Let the maple pecan bars cool for 5 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator and allow to cool completely before cutting (about 1 hour)
- When ready to cut, use an offset spatula or butter knife to loosen the edges, then cut into squares. Remove from the dish and peel off the parchment paper before serving.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Cashew white chocolate bars: Swap in chopped cashews nuts and white chocolate for a rich, delicious twist.
- Pumpkin spice: Stir in a bit of pumpkin spice mix to the batter for a seasonal fall treat.
- À la mode: Serve the bars topped with a scoop of ice cream for an easy and indulgent dessert.
- Peanut butter swirl: Swirl in some peanut butter into the filling before baking.
Recipe notes
- For a quicker option, use a graham cracker crumb base instead of the shortbread crust. Just skip step 2, and continue with the filling. For a basic graham cracker crust recipe, use the ratios from our pumpkin pie crust recipe.
- Use caution when cooking with sugar in the microwave! The filling will be very hot. Make sure to cool the bars completely before cutting them.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Maple Pecan Bars in the Microwave
What are maple pecan bars?
Maple pecan chocolate bars are a delightful treat featuring a buttery shortbread base topped with a rich filling made from creamy condensed milk, maple syrup, pecans, and chocolate chips. These bars combine a silky texture with a touch of sweetness and crunch for a satisfying dessert.
Can I make the bars in the microwave?
Yes, you can make these bars in the microwave using an Anyday dish. This microwave method is convenient and saves time resulting in a sweet treat in minutes. Be sure to lower the power level to avoid the filling from overflowing.
Why do I need to lower the power level?
Lowering the power level allows the filling to cook gently without overflowing, resulting in a smooth and silky texture. The lower heat prevents prevents the ingredients from curdling or separating, which can happen if cooked at too high a power. Learn more about power levels in our blog here.
What if my microwave does not have the option to adjust the power level?
If your microwave lacks adjustable power settings, start with the suggested cook time of 4 minutes. Adjust the time as needed based on your microwave’s performance.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time, making them a great option for parties, gatherings, or meal prep. Once they’ve cooled completely, store them in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, they can be kept covered at room temperature in an Anyday dish for up to 3 days.
How long do the bars need to cool before they can be cut and served?
The bars should cool completely before cutting and serving. Refrigerate them for several hours or overnight to allow them to firm up. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles for serving.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute pecans with other nuts like chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts according to your preference. Each nut will bring a unique flavor and texture to the bars.
How can I make the bars vegan-friendly?
To make these bars vegan, replace the condensed milk with a vegan alternative, such as coconut condensed milk. Make sure all other ingredients, including the chocolate chips, are vegan-friendly. You can also use plant-based butter instead of regular butter.
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