Pin This maple bourbon pecan pie bar recipe transforms the classic Southern dessert into convenient, handheld treats perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you crave that sweet, nutty indulgence without the fuss of a traditional pie.
I first created these bars for a Thanksgiving potluck when I needed something easier to serve than traditional pie. The bourbon adds such a wonderful depth that these have become my most requested dessert at family gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Crust: Unsalted butter softened creates that melt in your mouth texture for the perfect base
- Granulated sugar: provides just enough sweetness without overpowering the maple topping
- All purpose flour: use unbleached for the best flavor in the shortbread
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness
- For the Maple Bourbon Pecan Topping: Pure maple syrup splurge on the real stuff for authentic flavor and avoid pancake syrup
- Light brown sugar: adds caramel notes and helps create that gooey texture
- Large eggs: binds everything together and helps the filling set properly
- Bourbon: Kentucky bourbon works wonderfully but any good quality bourbon will do
- Unsalted butter: adds richness to the filling
- Vanilla extract: use pure not imitation for the best flavor profile
- Salt: balances sweetness and enhances the maple flavor
- Pecan halves: look for fresh pecans with no bitter smell for the best taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to exactly 350°F with a rack in the middle position. Line your 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving generous overhangs on the long sides. This ensures easy removal and clean cutting later. Lightly grease any exposed pan edges.
- Make the Shortbread Base:
- In a large bowl beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for a full 3 minutes until the mixture becomes noticeably lighter in color and fluffy in texture. This incorporates air for a tender crust. Add the flour and salt all at once and mix on low speed just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing which can develop gluten and make the crust tough.
- Form the Crust:
- Transfer the dough to your prepared pan in spoonfuls distributed evenly across the bottom. Using slightly dampened fingertips press the dough firmly into an even layer reaching all corners. For a perfectly flat crust use the bottom of a measuring cup to smooth the surface. Prick the dough all over with a fork to prevent bubbling.
- Prebake the Crust:
- Bake the crust for 18 to 20 minutes watching carefully in the final minutes. The perfect crust will be just barely golden at the edges while still pale in the center. This partial baking ensures the crust will stand up to the wet filling without becoming soggy.
- Prepare the Filling:
- While the crust bakes whisk together maple syrup and brown sugar in a medium bowl until the sugar begins to dissolve. Add the eggs one at a time whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Pour in the bourbon vanilla extract and salt whisking until completely smooth. Finally whisk in the melted butter until emulsified.
- Add the Pecans:
- Gently fold in the pecan halves coating each piece thoroughly with the maple mixture. For the most attractive presentation reserve about 1/4 cup of pecans to arrange decoratively on top.
- Assemble and Bake:
- When the crust comes out of the oven immediately pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust spreading it evenly with a spatula. If desired arrange the reserved pecans in a decorative pattern on top. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the filling no longer jiggles in the center when gently shaken.
- Cool and Slice:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. For the cleanest cuts refrigerate for 1 hour after cooling then use the parchment overhangs to lift the entire slab out. With a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts slice into 16 even squares.
Pin The bourbon is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. While you can omit it if necessary, even just those two tablespoons transform these bars from good to exceptional. My grandmother who claims to dislike alcohol in desserts always asks for seconds, completely unaware of what makes these bars so special!
Storage and Freshness
These bars maintain their perfect texture for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the crust may soften slightly. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you need to make them further ahead, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. The contrast between the crisp shortbread and gooey topping remains remarkably intact even after freezing.
Seasonal Adaptations
Fall Harvest Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling. Mix in 1/3 cup dried cranberries for tartness and color. Substitute dark maple syrup for a more robust flavor profile.
Winter Holiday Version: Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the crust dough. Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the filling. Drizzle cooled bars with dark chocolate for extra decadence.
Spring Celebration Version: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the shortbread base. Reduce pecans to 1 1/2 cups and add 1/2 cup chopped dried cherries. Serve with a dollop of lemon infused whipped cream.
Perfect Pairings
These maple bourbon pecan pie bars deserve thoughtful accompaniments that complement their rich, sweet nature. Serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic pairing, or try coffee ice cream for something more sophisticated.
For beverages, these bars shine when paired with a cup of strong black coffee or espresso, as the bitter notes balance the sweetness beautifully. If serving as part of a dessert spread, include something with bright acidity like lemon bars or fresh berries to cleanse the palate between bites.
For a truly special occasion, serve these bars with a small glass of the same bourbon you used in the recipe. The harmony between the dessert and spirit creates an elevated tasting experience your guests won't forget.
Pin These bars offer a delightful twist on a classic, providing a rich, satisfying, and easy-to-handle dessert experience. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet maple, warm bourbon, and crunchy pecans in every bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I omit the bourbon?
Yes, omit bourbon for a non-alcoholic version and add an extra teaspoon of vanilla instead.
- → How do I store these bars?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- → Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting pecans before adding enhances their flavor and adds more crunch, but it’s optional.
- → Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, cut cooled bars and freeze in a single layer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- → What can I serve alongside these bars?
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.