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Best Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

maple bourbon pecan pie bars - featured image

A dense, chewy, and boozy dessert bar that combines a buttery shortbread crust with a rich maple bourbon pecan filling. Easy to make and perfect for holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for crust)
  • 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (170g) light corn syrup
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 tablespoons real maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups (170g) pecans, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (for filling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix softened butter, granulated sugar, flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden, then reduce oven temperature to 325°F (165°C).
  4. While the crust bakes, toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly and chop roughly.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, bourbon, maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon salt for 2 minutes until smooth.
  6. Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
  7. Pour the filling over the partially baked crust.
  8. Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are bubbly and the center has a slight jiggle.
  9. Cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before cutting into 12-16 squares.
  10. Dust with flaky sea salt if desired and serve.

Notes

Toast pecans for maximum flavor. Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling. Do not cut bars while warm as they will fall apart; cool completely for clean cuts. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for 2 months.

Nutrition

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