Instructions

• Crust
• 1 Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 9x9 pan with parchment paper, leaving a couple inches overhang. Lightly grease the pan, set aside.
• 2 Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and brown sugar until creamy and combined. Add flour and salt, beat until thoroughly combined. Dump the mixture (it will be crumbly) into the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the filling.
• Filling
• 1 In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, milk, egg, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips. Pour the filling over the crust and gently spread it around with a rubber spatula so that the liquid and solids are evenly distributed.
• 2 Return to the oven and cook for about 18-22 minutes. The mixture should be bubbling slightly around the edges. The edges will be set but the center will still be a bit jiggly. It will firm up as it cools. Place pan on a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt, if desired, to add a contrast to the sweetness.