Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later. Using an 8x8 inch pan is important for the right thickness; a 9x9 inch pan may yield bars that are too thin.

In a medium bowl, combine the blanched almond flour, melted coconut oil (slightly cooled), 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix everything together with a fork until you have a thick, crumbly dough. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it down evenly with your fingers to form the base. Bake for 6-7 minutes, then set aside to cool while you prepare the pecan pie filling. I always make sure the base is completely cool before adding the topping, so it keeps its crispness.

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut sugar, 1/3 cup pure maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Place over medium-low heat and stir constantly as the mixture melts and starts to simmer gently around the edges. Add the roughly chopped pecans and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, continuing to cook and stir for about 30 seconds to coat the pecans in the caramel. Work quickly to prevent the caramel from hardening.

Immediately pour the caramel pecan mixture from Step 3 over the cooled shortbread base (from Step 2) in the pan. Using a rubber spatula, spread the mixture evenly across the surface. Quickly do this before the caramel seizes. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and set.

Remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature—the filling will firm up as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the fridge for at least an hour. After chilling, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut them into 16 pieces. If the bars are too hard to slice, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky Maldon sea salt just before serving. I like to add the sea salt as a finishing touch; it enhances the sweetness and brings out the nutty flavors!