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Cozy Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Easy Holiday Dessert

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These Cozy Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars capture the deep, woodsy sweetness of maple and the warm kick of bourbon in a handheld, no-fuss bar form. They are quick to make, perfect for the holidays, and absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup pure maple syrup (Grade A Dark Amber preferred)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (e.g., Maker’s Mark or Bulleit)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ 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 two opposite sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add flour and salt; mix on low until just combined (dough will be crumbly but hold together when pinched).
  3. Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan. Prick all over with a fork.
  4. Bake crust for 18-20 minutes, until just set and edges are lightly golden. Cool slightly on a wire rack. Keep oven on.
  5. Make the filling: In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla, and salt; whisk until smooth and glossy.
  6. Gently fold pecan halves into the filling until coated.
  7. Pour filling over pre-baked crust. Spread pecans into an even layer.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and center has a slight jiggle. Tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
  9. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (at least 2-3 hours). For cleaner slices, refrigerate for 1 hour after cooling.
  10. Use parchment sling to lift bars out of pan. Cut into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature eggs. Do not overbake the crust. The filling should have a slight jiggle in the center when done. Cool completely before slicing to avoid a gooey mess. Bars taste even better the next day. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: maple bourbon pecan pie bars, holiday dessert, pecan bars, easy dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, Christmas dessert

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