If you're looking for a dessert that combines classic flavors with a touch of sophistication, these Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are your go-to treat. With a buttery crust, rich pecan filling, and a hint of bourbon, they’re perfect for any festive occasion or just because you’re craving something special.
Butter is the foundation of our crust, lending richness and a tender texture. All-purpose flour provides structure to the crust and helps thicken the filling slightly. Brown sugar, with its molasses content, brings a deeper sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully. A touch of salt enhances all the flavors. Pecans are the star, offering crunch and a buttery taste. Maple syrup adds a warm, earthy sweetness, while bourbon infuses the filling with a subtle, smoky caramel note. Eggs help bind the filling together, and vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with its aromatic sweetness.
These bars are delightful on their own, but for an extra treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair wonderfully with a glass of bourbon or a warm apple cider, making them a cozy treat for chilly evenings.
First things first, get your oven preheating to 350°F. While that's warming up, line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper — trust me, this will make your life much easier when it’s time to remove the bars.
In a bowl, mix together 1 cup of softened butter, 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Your goal here is a crumbly texture, so use your hands or a pastry cutter to get everything nicely combined. Once it’s ready, press this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes, until it becomes slightly golden. This is your crust, and it’s going to be the delicious base for all that pecan goodness.
While the crust is baking, let’s move on to the filling. In a new bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans, 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of maple syrup, 1/4 cup of bourbon, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix these together until they’re well combined. Once the crust has had its time in the oven, pour this pecan mixture over it.
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. You’re looking for a set and golden brown topping, so keep an eye on it towards the end of the bake time. Once it’s done, let it cool completely before you even think about slicing. This gives the filling time to firm up.
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