Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The rich, nutty aroma of toasted pecans, combined with the sweet bourbon caramel filling and buttery crust, makes these Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars a true holiday favorite. Every bite is a symphony of textures—crunchy pecans, gooey filling, and a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base. I first made these bars for a Thanksgiving gathering, and they’ve been a staple on my dessert table ever since. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them last more than an hour!

If you love classic pecan pie but don’t have the time (or patience) for rolling out pie dough, this recipe is the perfect solution. These bars are easier to serve, easier to eat, and, dare I say, even more delicious than the traditional pie. Plus, the addition of bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavor that feels extra special.

Whether you’re hosting family for the holidays, attending a festive potluck, or simply craving a decadent dessert, these Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the details so you can bake up a batch of your own irresistible treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday Favorite: These bars are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
• Easy to Serve: No slicing pie or messy plates—just grab a bar and enjoy!
• Bourbon Twist: The addition of bourbon elevates the flavor with a warm, caramel-like complexity.
• Perfect Texture: A buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan filling creates the ultimate contrast.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully, making them ideal for prepping ahead of time.

What sets this recipe apart is the balance between simplicity and indulgence. The buttery crust is made with pantry staples, while the filling combines classic pecan pie elements with a splash of bourbon for a grown-up twist. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor each bite. Trust me, you’ll have people asking for the recipe before they finish their first bar!

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a bakery-quality dessert with minimal effort. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Bourbon Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup bourbon (use your favorite brand)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, roughly chopped

If you’re looking for substitutions, you can swap out bourbon for maple syrup if you prefer a non-alcoholic version. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour in the crust. The pecans can be replaced with walnuts if desired, but let’s be honest—pecans are the star of this show!

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy tools for this recipe, which makes it even better! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking pan: A standard size works perfectly for this recipe.
• Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars.
• Mixing bowls: One for the crust and one for the filling.
• Electric mixer: To cream the butter and sugar for the crust.
• Whisk: To mix the filling ingredients thoroughly.

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can grease the pan generously with butter or cooking spray. And if you don’t own an electric mixer, a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease will do the trick!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the bars: Pour the pecan mixture over the partially baked crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The edges will be golden and the center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
7. Cool and slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve!

Pro tip: If you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil during the final 10 minutes of baking. This will help prevent over-browning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Toast your pecans: For an extra depth of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them to the filling.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper: It makes slicing and removing the bars a breeze, especially with the sticky filling.
• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature helps the filling mix more smoothly.
• Check for doneness: A slight jiggle in the center is okay, but you don’t want the filling to be runny. Let the bars cool to set fully.

From personal experience, I’ve learned that patience is key—let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid a gooey mess. If you’re in a rush, pop them in the fridge for quicker cooling.

Variations & Adaptations

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace bourbon with maple syrup or apple juice for a family-friendly option.
• Chocolate Lovers: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix for the crust.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the finished bars for a sweet-and-salty flavor explosion. I’ve done this a few times, and it’s always a hit!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are best served at room temperature. Arrange them on a festive platter for a holiday dessert table or pack them in a tin for gifting. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon-spiked eggnog.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm the bars slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh their gooey texture.

As the bars sit, the flavors deepen and meld together, making them just as delicious (if not more so) the next day.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Each bar is packed with rich flavor and a delightful crunch. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 20 bars):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 3g

Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. While these bars are definitely on the indulgent side, they also deliver a touch of nutritional value thanks to those wholesome nuts.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about these Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars—they’re indulgent, easy to make, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking them for the holidays or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

I love how versatile this recipe is, allowing you to adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. And trust me, the bourbon twist takes these bars to a whole new level of deliciousness.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family—after all, good food is meant to be enjoyed together. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars store well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of bourbon?

Maple syrup or apple juice works as a great substitute for bourbon in this recipe.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before eating.

Do I have to use pecans?

Pecans are traditional, but you can use walnuts if you prefer. They’ll still taste amazing!

How do I know when the filling is done?

Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. It will set completely as it cools.

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