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Cozy Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Easy Holiday Dessert

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These Cozy Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect holiday dessert—easy to make, impossible to resist, and somehow both fancy and comforting at the same time. With a buttery shortbread crust, a rich maple-bourbon filling, and plenty of pecans, they’re a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Shortbread Crust:
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • For the Maple Bourbon Filling:
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup (160ml) pure maple syrup
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) bourbon
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons (22g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2½ cups (250g) pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on the long sides.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a food processor, combine 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour, ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pulse to combine. Add the cold, cubed butter (1 cup / 226g) and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. If doing by hand, use a pastry cutter or fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust into the pan: Dump the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact it. Press into the corners and up the sides slightly (about ¼ inch up the edges).
  4. Bake the crust: Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. The center will still look pale. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the filling. Leave the oven on.
  5. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup (113g) melted butter, 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar, ½ cup (160ml) pure maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons (45ml) bourbon until smooth. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot.
  6. Add the eggs and vanilla: Whisk in 3 room-temperature eggs, one at a time, until each is fully incorporated. Then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. The mixture should look smooth and glossy.
  7. Add the flour and salt: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons (22g) all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt over the wet mixture. Whisk gently until just combined—a few small lumps are okay.
  8. Fold in the pecans: Gently fold in 2½ cups (250g) pecan halves until they’re evenly coated in the filling.
  9. Pour the filling over the crust: Carefully pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula. Arrange a few extra pecans on top for presentation if desired.
  10. Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 28-32 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The top should be deep golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  11. Cool completely: Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the bars cool completely—about 2 hours. The filling continues to firm up as it cools.
  12. Cut and serve: Once completely cool, use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into squares (about 24 bars). Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

For best results, use cold butter for the crust and room temperature eggs for the filling. Let the bars cool completely (about 2 hours) before cutting to ensure clean slices. If bars seem too soft after cooling, refrigerate for 30 minutes before cutting. The flavors actually improve after a day or two. For a bourbon-free version, substitute with 3 tablespoons apple cider or extra maple syrup. To toast pecans, spread on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple bourbon, holiday dessert, easy dessert, shortbread crust, Thanksgiving dessert, Christmas dessert, cookie exchange

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/cozy-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-easy-holiday-dessert/