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Best Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Easy Shortbread Crust

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These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey maple-bourbon pecan filling. They’re easier than traditional pecan pie, perfect for holidays or any occasion, and cut into neat squares for serving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups (200g) pecan halves
  • 1 cup (240ml) pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Gradually add to butter mixture, mixing on low until just combined. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Prick crust all over with a fork.
  4. Bake crust for 15-18 minutes until just set and edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Leave oven on.
  5. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 3 eggs, 3 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth.
  6. Stir in 2 cups pecan halves until coated.
  7. Pour filling over warm crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 28-32 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  8. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (about 2 hours). Use parchment overhang to lift bars out. Slice into 24 bars with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

Toast pecans before using for best flavor. Use room temperature eggs. Let bars cool completely before slicing to avoid runny filling. For clean slices, chill bars for 30 minutes before cutting. Bars keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/best-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-with-easy-shortbread-crust/