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Perfect Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

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These easy Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich maple-bourbon filling, and crunchy toasted pecans. They’re perfect for holidays or any occasion, slicing cleanly and disappearing fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly grease the parchment.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or fingertips, work butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse sand with a few pea-sized butter pieces. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake 15-17 minutes until edges are just golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and slightly frothy. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter (not hot), bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until well combined and glossy, about 30 seconds.
  4. Assemble: Spread pecan halves evenly over warm crust. Pour filling over pecans, covering completely. Do not stir.
  5. Bake 20-25 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly (like cheesecake). The filling will puff and turn deep golden brown. Do not overbake.
  6. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. The filling must set before cutting.
  7. Use parchment overhang to lift slab onto a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars (12-16 bars). Wipe knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Notes

For extra-clean slices, refrigerate the slab for 30 minutes before cutting. The bars taste even better the next day. Toast pecans for 5-7 minutes at 350°F for extra flavor. If you don’t have bourbon, substitute with 2 tablespoons apple cider or extra maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple bourbon, holiday dessert, shortbread crust, easy bars

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/perfect-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-easy-holiday-recipe/