Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

These Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are what I make when I want all the timeless caramelized gooeyness of a holiday pecan pie but need to keep things simple and easy to serve These bars highlight deeply toasted pecans sweetly complex maple syrup and a kiss of bourbon all layered atop a rich buttery shortbread base One batch easily feeds a small crowd or makes a beautiful addition to a dessert spread

I first made these for our Thanksgiving potluck and they disappeared before the pumpkin pie My kids now ask for them every year as their special treat

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: brings richness and helps with that melt in your mouth texture in the shortbread look for European style butter if you want an extra buttery flavor
• Granulated sugar: adds sweetness and structure for the crust choose a fine pure cane variety if you can
• All purpose flour: keeps the bars tender with just the right density choose unbleached flour for best baking results
• Fine sea salt: sharpens the sweetness and balances the shortbread try flaky sea salt on top right before baking for extra pop
• Pure maple syrup: make sure it is real not pancake syrup for genuine maple depth Grade A dark works best for big flavor
• Light brown sugar: brings subtle caramel notes and keeps the filling moist look for tightly packed fresh packages
• Large eggs: help set the filling and add richness use very fresh eggs for best results
• Bourbon: adds warmth and aromatic depth select your favorite or try a smoky style for bolder taste
• Melted unsalted butter: binds the filling and ensures a glossy top
• Pure vanilla extract: deepens the overall fragrance go for a high quality extract
• Pecan halves: these add crunch and their flavor is the heart of the recipe toast lightly to intensify taste and avoid any rancid or soft nuts

Instructions

Prep the Pan:

Line your baking pan with parchment paper and leave an overhang on each side so you can pull the bars out easily once baked

Make the Shortbread Crust:

Cream softened butter with sugar in a large bowl on medium speed until the texture is pale and fluffy This usually takes around 2 minutes With a spatula gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined The mix will look a little crumbly but should hold together when pressed

Press and Bake the Crust:

Transfer the crumbly mixture into your lined pan Use your fingertips or the back of a sturdy spoon to press the dough evenly across the pan and up the edges for a smooth base Bake at 350 Fahrenheit until the edges are just turning golden about 18 to 20 minutes Watch closely to avoid overbaking then remove and set aside

Mix the Maple Bourbon Filling:

While the crust bakes whisk together maple syrup brown sugar eggs bourbon melted butter vanilla and salt in a medium bowl The mixture should be silky with no streaks of eggs or lumps

Add Pecans to the Filling:

Stir the pecan halves right into the filling gently tossing to coat each one well so the nuts distribute evenly over every bar

Top the Baked Crust:

Once the crust is lightly golden pour the pecan filling evenly across the warm crust Use a spatula to nudge the pecans into a single even layer so every bite has crunch

Bake Until Set:

Slide the pan back into the oven and bake until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle about 25 to 28 minutes The filling will finish setting as it cools so do not overbake

Cool and Cut:

Let the bars cool completely in the pan If you try to lift or slice too soon they will fall apart Once cooled use the parchment overhang to lift out of the pan Place on a large cutting board and slice into bars with a sharp knife wiping the blade between cuts for clean lines

Save

My favorite ingredient is the pure maple syrup When I use a dark robust maple it brings out a woodsy sweetness in the bars I will never forget my son sneaking a small square from the freezer thinking I would not notice because these bars are just that hard to resist

Storage Tips

For short term storage keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days They will stay softer and chewier If you want to keep them fresh longer pop the container in the fridge and they will stay perfectly moist for a week Let bars sit out for five to ten minutes before serving to soften slightly

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have bourbon simply increase the vanilla for a non alcoholic option Brown butter can replace the melted butter for an even deeper toasty flavor Hazelnuts or walnuts work instead of pecans and bring their own unique texture and taste

Serving Ideas

Warm these bars gently and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an instant dessert upgrade Serve cut in tiny squares with coffee at brunch or cut larger for lunchbox treats Drizzle with extra maple syrup for extra shine at the holiday table

Cultural Roots

Pecan pie is a classic of American holiday tables especially around Thanksgiving and in the Southern United States Bars like these were born out of the need for shareable easy to pack desserts perfect for potlucks and bake sales So you get tradition plus convenience

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg in the fall for cozy spice Swap one third of the pecans for chopped dried cranberries around the holidays Try honey in place of some maple syrup for a spring version with floral notes

Save

One batch packs and ships nicely if you want to mail holiday treats Once baked and fully cooled slice the bars then layer between sheets of wax paper in a freezer safe container Freeze up to two months Thaw at room temperature overnight to enjoy as good as fresh

Common Questions

→ Can the bourbon be omitted?

Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, skip the bourbon and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor depth.

→ How should I toast pecans for extra flavor?

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant and golden.

→ What is the best way to cut neat bars?

Cool the bars completely, lift out with parchment, and use a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges.

→ How do I store these bars for freshness?

Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

→ Are these suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these bars contain butter and eggs but no meat products, making them vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can I substitute the nuts for allergies?

Pecans provide classic texture; try walnuts or leave out nuts for an alternative, taking allergies into account.