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Gooey Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

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These gooey bourbon pecan pie bars feature a crisp, buttery shortbread crust and a rich, caramelized pecan filling with a hint of bourbon. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any time you crave classic Southern comfort in an easy-to-make dessert bar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted (226g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (240ml)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200g)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60ml)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted (28g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups chopped pecans (200g, toasted if desired)
  • Optional: Flaky sea salt for topping
  • Optional: Whole pecan halves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting edges hang over for easy lifting.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
  3. Press crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20–22 minutes, until lightly golden and set.
  4. While crust bakes, whisk eggs in a large bowl until blended. Add corn syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
  5. Stir in melted butter and a pinch of salt. Fold in chopped pecans (toasted if desired).
  6. Pour pecan filling evenly over hot shortbread crust. Dot with whole pecan halves if desired.
  7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until filling is just set but still jiggles slightly in the center. Tent with foil if filling browns too quickly.
  8. Cool bars completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. Lift bars out using parchment, slice into 24 squares with a sharp knife.
  9. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired before serving.

Notes

Toast pecans for 7–8 minutes at 350°F for extra flavor. Cool bars completely before slicing for clean edges. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute vegan butter. Chill bars for an hour before slicing if your kitchen is warm. Tent with foil if filling browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, bourbon, shortbread crust, holiday dessert, Southern baking, easy dessert, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potluck, comfort food

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/gooey-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-recipe-easy-buttery-shortbread-crust/