Brown Butter Maple Pecan Bars

These Brown Butter Maple Pecan Bars are the perfect fall bake!

Recipe by Mimi Council.

Brown Butter Maple Pecan Bars

Makes 9

Frosting

1/2 cup (113 grams) organic salted butter (browned)

142 grams (1 cup) organic powdered sugar, sifted

1 tablespoon organic milk

Dough

1/2 cup (113 grams) organic salted butter, softened

113 grams (1/2 cup) packed organic dark brown sugar

28 grams (1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon) organic maple syrup

1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract

2 organic large eggs

255 grams (2 cups) organic all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon organic cinnamon

96 grams (3/4 cup) pecans, chopped

Method

To brown the butter: In a small saucepan, add the 1 stick of butter for the frosting. Put over medium heat, and allow the butter to melt. Once the butter melts it will start to bubble up and turn white, and if this happens just remove it from the heat until the bubbles settle down so you can keep an eye on the color. Cook the butter until it turns a maple syrup color, milk solids will sink to the bottom forming little dark specs. The aroma will also smell sweet and nutty. Once this happens, remove from heat. Allow it to cool until it is a solid again. This can be done the day ahead of making these bars, make sure it is a solid before using it to make the frosting.

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

To make the dough: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter, dark brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix on low until combined and there are no chunks of butter. Add the eggs and mix just slightly, enough to break the yolks.

In a separate bowl, add the flour, sea salt, baking soda, and cinnamon and whisk together. Add to the butter mixture and mix on low until combined into a dough. Add the pecans and mix on low until combined.

Using your hands form the dough into the prepared pan, making sure it is evenly pressed. Bake for 32 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan before removing. Once cool, remove from the pan and flip over.

To make the frosting: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the browned butter, powdered sugar, and milk. Mix on low until combined, then speed mixer up to high for 1 minute or until light and fluffy.

Using a spatula, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the bars. Cut into 9 bars.

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Gluten Free – Replace the flour with 269 grams (1 3/4 cups) organic gluten free flour blend.

High Altitude – Bake at 325°F for 28 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

Did you make this recipe? Make sure to tag @dessertdorganic on Instagram!