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Best Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars (Easy Family Favorite)

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These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars take everything you love about classic pecan pie and pack it into a handheld bar with a buttery shortbread crust, gooey maple-bourbon filling, and crunchy pecans. Easy to make and perfect for family gatherings, they’re a crowd-pleaser that even converts pecan haters.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup (Grade A dark amber preferred)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (e.g., Buffalo Trace or Maker’s Mark)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves or pieces (toasted lightly for extra flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving 2 inches overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray parchment with nonstick spray.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand with a few pea-sized butter pieces. Press firmly into an even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until edges are golden and surface looks dry. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Toast the pecans (optional): Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Let cool.
  4. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined (about 30 seconds). Do not overwhisk. Stir in toasted pecans gently.
  5. Assemble and bake: Pour filling over warm pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle. Do not overbake.
  6. Cool completely: Let bars cool in pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.
  7. Slice and serve: Using parchment handles, lift slab onto a cutting board. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut into 24 squares (4 rows by 6 rows). Wipe knife clean between cuts. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Notes

For best texture, let bars rest overnight. Keep butter cold for crust. Do not overmix filling. Start checking doneness at 22 minutes. For clean slices, chill bars and wipe knife between cuts. Bars freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon pecan pie bars, pecan pie bars, easy pecan bars, holiday dessert, shortbread crust, maple syrup, bourbon, pecan recipe, family favorite

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/best-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-easy-family-favorite/