- Mix together all ingredients for the crust: flour, butter, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla, until combined 
- Line an 8 X 8 baking dish with parchment paper 
- Use your hands to press the shortbread crust batter evenly into the pan 
- Bake the crust at 300 degrees for 22 - 25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and beginning to brown 
- In a large bowl, mix together the pecan pie bar filling: the eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, flour, vanilla, and salt 
- Once that is mixed, stir in the pecan pieces 
- When the shortbread crust is done baking, pour the pecan pie bar filling over the top 
- Turn the oven up to 350 degrees and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until set and hardly jiggly in the center. The edges should be browned 
- Remove the pecan pie bars from oven and allow to cool completely 
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then cut into slices