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Best Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bar Recipe

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These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are a happy accident turned family favorite, featuring a buttery crust, rich maple-bourbon filling, and crunchy pecans. They’re easier than a pie and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2–3 tablespoons ice water (only if needed)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse sand with some pea-sized butter pieces. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons ice water and stir with a fork; add another tablespoon if needed. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are just golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until light and frothy (about 30 seconds). Add maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Gently fold in pecans.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour filling over pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2 hours or refrigerate 30 minutes).
  5. Slice and serve: Use parchment to lift slab onto a cutting board. Cut into bars (about 24) with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed.

Notes

Pre-bake the crust to avoid sogginess. Let bars cool completely before cutting for clean slices. Toast pecans at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for extra flavor. Use a metal pan for even baking. For bourbon-free version, substitute with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract plus 1 tablespoon water or apple cider.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon pecan pie bars, pecan pie bars, maple bourbon dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, easy pecan bars

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bar-recipe/