There’s something undeniably charming about pecan pie—rich, buttery, nutty, and sweet, with deep caramelized flavors that evoke southern hospitality. But sometimes, classic pies can feel a little formal or tricky to slice neatly. That’s where Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars come in: all the indulgence of a traditional pecan pie, transformed into portable, elegant bars with a hint of bourbon for depth and sophistication.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or simply treating yourself, these bars are easy to make, impressive to serve, and irresistible to taste.
Why Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
What makes these bars special:
- Portable elegance: Bars are easier to serve than pies and perfect for gifting.
- Bourbon-enhanced flavor: Adds depth and warmth without overpowering the pecans.
- Buttery shortbread crust: Provides a crisp base that balances the gooey filling.
- Crowd-pleasing texture: Chewy, nutty, and caramelized with a slight crunch on top.
These bars combine southern charm with modern sophistication, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Bourbon Pecan Filling
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Bourbon Pecan Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan, then chill for at least 1 hour for cleaner slicing.
4. Slice and Serve
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars from the pan.
- Cut into 2×2-inch squares for bite-sized elegance, or larger bars for a traditional serving.
- Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra sophistication.
Tips for the Perfect Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
- Use quality bourbon: A good, flavorful bourbon enhances the filling without overpowering it.
- Toast the pecans lightly: Adds depth and crunch to the bars.
- Don’t overbake: Filling should be just set; it will firm up as it cools.
- Chill before cutting: This helps the bars hold their shape and makes slicing cleaner.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Variations to Try
- Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Bars: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Mini Pecan Tarts: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings, perfect for parties.
- Spiced Pecan Bars: Add ½ tsp cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for warm spice notes.
Why This Recipe Works
These Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars perfectly balance sweetness, nuttiness, and a touch of warmth from bourbon. The buttery shortbread crust holds the gooey pecan filling, while the chilling step ensures clean slices every time. They’re elegant, sophisticated, and guaranteed to impress at any table.
Final Thoughts
Transforming a classic Southern pie into bars elevates the experience without losing the comfort and nostalgia that make pecan pie so beloved. With rich bourbon flavor, a crisp crust, and gooey, nutty filling, these bars are a dessert that feels both fancy and approachable.
Whether for the holidays, a dinner party, or a casual weekend treat, these Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are sure to become a new favorite.