Maple Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F (160°C fan-forced).

Step 2: Lightly grease a 20 cm (8-inch) square pan with butter, then line it with baking paper, leaving an overhang to lift the bars out later.

Step 3: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in the sugar and salt, then the flour. Press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Tip: Use your hands first, then finish with a spatula. The base does not need to be perfectly even, but press it into any cracks.

Step 4: Bake the base for 20 minutes, then cool for 15 minutes before adding the filling.

Tip: Cooling the base helps it stay crisper; this cooling step can be skipped.

Step 5: Spread the pecans for the filling on a tray and bake them for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and, once cool enough to handle, roughly chop them.

Tip: The pecans can go into the oven at the same time as the base.

Step 6: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix in the sugar, maple syrup and salt. When the mixture reaches a proper simmer, remove it from the heat and cool for 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla, then stir in the chopped pecans.

Tip: The filling can be set aside until you are ready to use it.

Step 7: Toss the decorating pecans with the maple syrup.

Step 8: Pour the pecan filling onto the base and spread it evenly. Top with the maple-coated decorating pecans, then bake for 25 minutes.

Step 9: Remove the pan from the oven and cool the bars fully to room temperature so the filling can set. Cut into 16 squares, or 9 larger squares.

Tip: To speed up setting, cool on the counter for about 45 minutes, then transfer the pan to the fridge.