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Perfect Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

bourbon pecan pie bars - featured image

These bourbon pecan pie bars offer a cozy, indulgent twist on classic pecan pie with a buttery crust and a gooey, nutty bourbon filling. Perfect for casual gatherings or quiet nights, they are easy to make and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup (can substitute with honey)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups (150g) chopped pecans, fresh and lightly toasted if desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add ½ cup softened unsalted butter and blend until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until light golden around the edges but not fully browned.
  4. While the crust bakes, whisk together 2 large eggs, ¾ cup light brown sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.
  5. Fold in 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated with the filling mixture.
  6. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling is bubbly and just set; it should jiggle slightly but not be runny. Watch closely after 20 minutes to avoid over-baking.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow flavors to meld and bars to set.
  9. Slice into squares using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry for cleaner cuts.

Notes

Use fresh pecans for best flavor; lightly toast pecans for deeper flavor. Do not overmix the filling to avoid tough texture. Softened butter is key for a good crust. Let bars cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Lining the pan with parchment paper helps with cleanup and slicing. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour (crust will be more crumbly). For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil (flavor will shift slightly).

Nutrition

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