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Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

November 6, 2017 By Jolina 81 Comments

Bourbon pecan pie bars – your favourite pecan pie bite-sized! Enjoy the sweet, boozy, delicious flavours of pecan pie minus all the challenges of making one.

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

It’s November and the holiday baking season is in full swing. Technically however, the baking frenzy at our house started early because Canadian Thanksgiving happens in October (lots of people are surprised to know this!).

American Thanksgiving is coming up though and to celebrate with my American friends, from now until then I will share some amazing desserts that are not only delicious but also a breeze to make.

Let’s start with these bourbon pecan pie bars. The name says it all – boozy, sweet, nutty (i.e. tasting like nuts and not insane…though, can also mean insanely good)! And you can make them quicker than you can say pie.

Shortbread crust

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

The crust I used here is the same crust I used for my favourite lemon bars. It’s tender but sturdy enough to hold the filling on top. It’s also the right amount of sweetness to complement the bourbon pecan topping.

Related: Pumpkin Pecan Muffins with Pecan Streusel Topping

Scrumptious golden syrup

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

Next I used golden syrup instead of the usual corn syrup. Have you heard of it? I first tasted it when I made my treacle tart and oh my word I was hooked. It is fantastic. I think it’s more widely known in the U.K. and not so much in North America but it is available.

It has a very distinct taste. It’s sweet but doesn’t taste like honey or maple syrup. It’s a little hard to describe suffice it to say it is good. You can use corn syrup in this recipe but if you get the chance, grab a bottle of golden syrup you won’t regret it!

Bourbon or no bourbon?

You can also choose to leave out the bourbon here but it’s the holidays! I say go for it. It adds to the awesomeness of every bite. It won’t be so boozy that you’d get drunk but I promise it will be yummy. 

Related: Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone Cream & Bourbon Salted Caramel Sauce

Bourbon pecan pie bars

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

And did I mention this is a breeze to make? You have no pie crust to worry about – no chilling, no rolling, no crimping. You can enjoy all the goodness of pecan pie without all the hassle.

So this Thanksgiving, serve some bourbon pecan pie bars and spend more time with your guests instead of in the kitchen!

Print
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust

Bourbon pecan pie bars - your favourite pecan pie bite-sized! Enjoy the sweet, boozy, delicious flavours of pecan pie minus all the challenges of making one.

Ingredients

    For the Shortbread Crust:
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (256 grams) all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    For the Bourbon Pecan Pie Topping:
  • 1/3 cup (43 grams) all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (110 grams) tightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (250 ml) golden syrup (you can substitute corn syrup)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 2 cups (200 grams) roughly chopped pecans

Instructions

    For the Shortbread Crust:
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Set aside.
  2. Using a handheld electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat all ingredients until it resembles a coarse meal. Do not over beat. You'll know you're done when no big chunks of butter remain.
  3. Press evenly and firmly onto the bottom of your pan (make sure the crust is packed tightly and evenly so you won't have to deal with a possible seeping situation later).
  4. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown.
  5. Take out of the oven while you work on your filling. Do not turn oven off.
    For the Bourbon Pecan Pie Topping:
  1. Put all ingredients in a large bowl except the pecans. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add the pecans and stir.
  2. Transfer onto your prepared crust and bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted close to the edge comes out with minimal crumbs. Cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
4.29
https://theunlikelybaker.com/bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-shortbread-crust/
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Happy baking!

Did you make bourbon pecan pie bars? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Here are easy pies and tarts you can add to your Thanksgiving spread:

Treacle Tart
Treacle Tart – Harry Potter’s Favourite!
Eggless Key Lime Pie
Eggless Key Lime Pie

No-Bake Raspberry White Chocolate Tart
No-Bake Raspberry White Chocolate Tart (with video)
Creamy Meyer Lemon Pie
Creamy Meyer Lemon Pie

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Filed Under: Cookies & Bars, Recipes

« Pumpkin Buttermilk Pancakes with Candied Pecans
Chocolate Brownie Tart with Brown Butter Crust »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Red says

    January 8, 2018 at 7:20 pm

    HI – thank you for this!!! Is there any way to make it without Corn Syrup? I have made Pecan pies with just eggs, butter and sugar…. I would rather not corn syrup if possible…

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      January 13, 2018 at 8:19 pm

      Hi Red! I’m not sure as I haven’t tried. This might help: https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-substitute-corn-syrup-article

      Reply
  2. Tess says

    November 24, 2017 at 11:01 pm

    HI Jolina,

    the recipe is super easy with such a highly delicious payoff!!! thank you!

    i brought it to a Friendsgiving party and it was a hit!

    i do have a question, do you know why the crust was separating from the pecans when it cooled?

    thank you again for the great recipes and tips you provide us (especially me, the ill-bake-when-i feel-like-it lady )

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 27, 2017 at 8:10 am

      Hi Tess. Glad to hear you and your friends liked the bars. I don’t know why the crust would separate from the pecans TBH…did it shrink in some way? Here’s a link I hope you find useful! – https://food52.com/blog/14789-kitchen-rescue-how-to-fix-10-common-pie-problems

      Reply
      • theresa liceralde says

        December 5, 2017 at 6:36 pm

        i did it again and i made sure i packed it really well!!! that did the trick. i also tried agave syrup– supposed to be a tad healthier but meh, corn syrup was better haha

        Reply
        • Jolina says

          December 5, 2017 at 10:04 pm

          LOL I’m glad it worked out! Hope you find golden syrup though. It’s really good…. 🙂

          Reply
  3. Lin Oh says

    November 19, 2017 at 8:32 am

    Marvelous! However I reduced the brown sugar to 1/4 cup and increased pecan to 250g – I find 200g pecan cannot cover the whole surface.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 20, 2017 at 9:22 pm

      Awesome! Glad you liked it 🙂

      Reply
  4. Tasha Dewdney says

    November 12, 2017 at 7:42 am

    I would definitely break my diet for this! Sounds like and looks like a very fulfilling snack treat

    Reply
  5. Sudhakar says

    November 11, 2017 at 12:08 pm

    Golden syrup is awesome stuff. Great on porridge. Excellent recipe.

    Reply
  6. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    November 11, 2017 at 9:21 am

    Oh yum! Holiday baking is well underway around here and these would be lovely to add to the list!! Love how easy they are to make and the touch of bourbon! It’s like a cocktail and dessert in one 😉 Cheers to an awesome weekend! P.S. We watched more of Star Trek Discovery last night and absolutely love it!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 4:19 pm

      Cocktail and dessert in one – I love that! You always think of the best things 🙂 It’s a good show, eh? We’re totally hooked!

      Reply
  7. London Mumma says

    November 11, 2017 at 8:23 am

    This bourbon pecan pie bars look like a real dream. I am currently at work and this is something that I could totally and happily snack on.

    Reply
  8. Jaleby says

    November 10, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I love Bourbon !! Thanks for sharing bourbon pecan pie bars recipe !! I am gonna try it soon

    Reply
  9. Lauren says

    November 9, 2017 at 9:37 pm

    Omg I NEED to make this!!

    Reply
  10. Krystal says

    November 9, 2017 at 9:26 pm

    These look really good. I think they’d make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!

    Reply
  11. Jen S says

    November 9, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    I love love love pecan pie. This looks heavenly! I was looking for a fall recipe to make this weekend, maybe I’ll give this a try.

    Reply
  12. Kim says

    November 9, 2017 at 2:41 pm

    Love this idea! I love pecan pie, but as someone who is trying to eat healthier, I didn’t know how I was going to enjoy it without diving in ( I’m not the type of person to be able to turn down desserts lol). When things are bite-sized, I tend to stop myself at one, maybe two, so I think this will be the “healthier” option for me and the family!

    Reply
  13. Ashley says

    November 9, 2017 at 1:33 pm

    You had me at shortbread, the rest is just a fantastic perk. These look incredible!

    Reply
  14. Ananda says

    November 9, 2017 at 12:02 am

    oh my! these pecan pie bars are so scrumptious! your photos really captured the deliciousness!

    Reply
  15. Patricia says

    November 8, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    What a great holiday treat! Looks scrumptious! I have to say that I love the bourbon in these goodies!

    Reply
  16. Shell says

    November 8, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    Wow these look absolutely amazing and delicious!!! I can’t wait to make these for my family.

    Reply
  17. Sara Nichols says

    November 8, 2017 at 10:00 pm

    OMG my mouth is literally watering!

    Reply
  18. cara says

    November 8, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    You can’t get much more festive than bourbon pecan pie bars! These look so delicious and are the perfect holiday treat!

    Reply
  19. Leah says

    November 8, 2017 at 5:49 pm

    You know you had me at bourbon! These bars sound so good, and what a delicious mash-up of holiday favorites! Yum!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 4:16 pm

      LOL I knew you’d like these Leah! 🙂

      Reply
  20. Rachel says

    November 8, 2017 at 4:25 pm

    You’re right! These bars will definitely simplify life instead of having to work on a pie crust. Love the bourbon pecan pairing.

    Reply
  21. Veena Azmanov says

    November 8, 2017 at 4:02 pm

    Oh these look so perfect Jolina. I made some pecan tarts today too! Don’t you just love pecans and a good spice mix this time of the year. I cannot wait to try this next. Looks so delish.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 4:15 pm

      Thanks Veena! Yes, pecans feel and taste so fall-y for me 🙂 Can’t wait to see your pecan tarts!

      Reply
  22. Samantha says

    November 8, 2017 at 3:26 pm

    This sounds amazing! I think this would be a fun substitution for pecan pie at Thanksgiving this year! Thanks!

    Reply
  23. Mei says

    November 8, 2017 at 2:12 pm

    Yours recipes always leave me with a watery mouth! these look really delicious and you make everything seem easy to make! Thank you ^^

    Reply
  24. Nikki says

    November 8, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    These look so incredible and perfect for the holidays. I bet paired with some butter pecan ice cream would be amazing!!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 4:14 pm

      Now I’m craving for some butter pecan ice cream! 🙂

      Reply
  25. sajad says

    November 8, 2017 at 10:38 am

    Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread look tasty, I have tried some of your recipes and the results were amazing, I loved the food I made with the help of your recipes. Thank you so much for sharing these recipes with us.

    Reply
  26. Julie Syl says

    November 8, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Woww! This is totally looks good! I would love to try all of these!

    Reply
  27. Arlene Mobley says

    November 8, 2017 at 8:11 am

    My family would go crazy for these bars on Thanksgiving.

    Reply
  28. kuminkueche says

    November 8, 2017 at 5:51 am

    Yummy! It looks so tasty! I was always thinking that making a pie is hard, but with your detailed instrucions I think I will be able to make it myself, thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      Thanks! And lucky for you, these are bars so they are easier to manage than pies.

      Reply
  29. Carol Cassara says

    November 8, 2017 at 4:30 am

    This looks so good and it’s perfect for the cold weather! I’m sure it’s so much better when you have it with your favorite cup of tea or hot beverage!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      I love it with tea, in the morning, as an afternoon snack or after dinner! 🙂

      Reply
  30. Blair villanueva says

    November 8, 2017 at 3:16 am

    Absolutely delectable, and i wish it would pop out on my screen so I could eat them all. Hahaha.
    Can I grab your recipe?

    Reply
  31. Cassie says

    November 8, 2017 at 12:01 am

    These sound so interesting! I never usually like bourbon on its own but having said that – I’m really curious to try these! I’m sure they don’t have an overwhelming bourbon flavour

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      Hi Cassie, don’t worry they don’t 🙂

      Reply
  32. CourtneyLynne says

    November 7, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    Omg how yummy!!! Pecan Pie is one of my all time favorites. I will have to give this bar recipe a try!!! Delicious

    Reply
  33. Ellie Chan says

    November 7, 2017 at 10:44 pm

    ooh wow these look and sound so delicious! I’ve never tried pecan bars before. We had our Thanksgiving in Canada in October, hope you have an amazing Thanksgiving later this month!

    Reply
  34. Adriana Lopez Martin says

    November 7, 2017 at 10:12 pm

    I am a pecan lover I actually enjoy a lot a good pecan pie slice and this bars are calling my name. Wish I could try one now with my coffee. This dessert looks perfect for fall entertaining too.

    Reply
  35. Stephanie says

    November 7, 2017 at 8:54 pm

    I personally don’t like pecans, but my husband does. I bet he would love these!

    Reply
  36. Vee says

    November 7, 2017 at 6:15 pm

    I like your recipe. It is easy and quick. I am going to make this for the next potluck coming soon. Lucky, I didn’t have to look around for a thanksgiving themed dessert recipe!

    Reply
  37. Akamatra says

    November 7, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    I don’t have to tell you your photographs are awesome! They make me want to reach and have a piece of this delicacy!

    Reply
  38. Charlotte says

    November 7, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    wow I don’t think I have ever tried bourbon pecan but my husband is interested in this recipe now!

    Reply
  39. Angela Tolsma says

    November 7, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    I love shortbread crusts! They are my favorite kind to make, I never would have thought to add bourbon to a recipe like this. I do something similar just without the bourbon and nuts.

    Reply
  40. Stephany Bissonette says

    November 7, 2017 at 1:40 pm

    These look absolutely delightful! I think I need to make a trip to the store now lol

    Reply
  41. Marisa Franca says

    November 7, 2017 at 1:34 pm

    I believe this would make a great substitute for pecan pie. It makes more and it certainly is easier to cut. I like how the pecans and sugar make a nice crunchy top. This will be a fantastic recipe during the holidays.

    Reply
  42. Andrea says

    November 7, 2017 at 11:44 am

    I have one question – I can not use any kind of liquor – what can I substitute?

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:07 pm

      Hi Andrea. Here’s a great discussion I found on that: http://www.thekitchn.com/ideas-for-a-nonalcoholic-alternative-to-bourbon-good-questions-185461

      Reply
  43. Deborah Regen says

    November 7, 2017 at 11:21 am

    Wow, this sounds soooo good. I only allow myself to eat pecan pie once a year, at Thanksgiving. It is so rich and sinful, and I try hard to watch my calories. But it is hard to resist on a holiday were it is kind of a tradition. This is a different take on the regular pecan pie, I will have to try it one day.

    Reply
  44. Jeanine says

    November 7, 2017 at 9:11 am

    yum these look and sound DELICIOUS! I am a huge fan of both pecan and shortbread so this sounds like the combo for me! I must give these a try!

    Reply
  45. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says

    November 7, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Well I really need to make these for hubby. He loves bourbon. I don’t drink it…but I do cook and bake with it….LOVE the aroma. These are like a cross between a pie and a tart….so yummy!!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:04 pm

      I love baking with alcohol. I don’t what it is about it lol…and yes, these would make your kitchen smell wonderful. Hope you’re having a lovely Sunday Gloria!

      Reply
  46. Janella Panchamsingh says

    November 7, 2017 at 7:25 am

    Yum, I love bars! and these look so good. especially with the bourbon in it

    Reply
  47. Denise Wright says

    November 7, 2017 at 7:05 am

    These look great! So you think the bourbon is worth trying huh? I’m very interested in cooking with bourbon lately. I have tried the golden syrup when I lived in England for a year. I have never seen it here in Pittsburgh but I bet Amazon has it. I think I’m going to try these for Thanksgiving….I’m terrified to make a pie!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:02 pm

      Hi Denise! My default answer to boozy desserts is always a yes lol 🙂 Did you like golden syrup? When I see them at our local supermarket I always grab more than I need thinking they will all of a sudden disappear haha. I’m sure you’ll make a lovely pie!

      Reply
  48. Angie says

    November 7, 2017 at 6:50 am

    Pecan pie bars sound nice. I have the biggest sweet tooth and have seen cook-books before lying around, but just don’t bake. I wish I did, is it time-consuming? I love treats & cupcakes, the whole thing lol.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 12:00 pm

      Not at all. And it’s easy and simple to do too 🙂 Hope you give it a shot. You’ll be enjoying yummy bars in no time 🙂

      Reply
  49. EG III says

    November 7, 2017 at 12:40 am

    I agree with you. Why leave out the bourbon…live a little. Since I’m a fan of both bourbon and pecan pie, I have a sneaky feeling I’d really enjoy these.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 11:58 am

      Right? 🙂 Plus, it’s the holidays!

      Reply
  50. Karly says

    November 6, 2017 at 9:46 pm

    Yesss! Love Pecan Pie in any way shape or form, but these look beyond amazing. Love the shortbread crust!

    Reply
  51. Ali Rost says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    These remind me so much of the pecan squares the church ladies made when I was a kid. Looking through our old church cookbook, their recipes required more than a box of brown sugar, a teddy bear+ full of honey, two pounds of pecans, and nine sticks of butter. Nowadays we’d think they were clearly trying to kill us. They made a chocolate caramel cheesecake look like a Weight Watchers 2-point popicle. But you know what? They were incredibly delicious and no holiday meal could be without one! x

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 11:57 am

      LOL 9 sticks of butter wowwww but that sounds so delicious!

      Reply
  52. Cheska says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:42 pm

    Yes to Pecan pie bars and double yes to bourbon! My kind of thanksgiving dessert.

    Reply
  53. Laurie says

    November 6, 2017 at 7:25 pm

    These look delicious and really not as difficult as I would have thought they would be to make! I didn’t realize syrup was an ingredient in these and I love pecans. This is something I definitely need to try for Thanksgiving. It will be perfect along with Pumpkin Pie of course!

    Reply
  54. Ana De- Jesus says

    November 6, 2017 at 5:40 pm

    Oh yes I love Golden Syrup although you might be right in saying that it is more widely known here in the UK than in North America. Also I love the sound of the shortbread crust and how although it is sturdy it complements the pecan perfectly. It sounds like a slice of heaven x

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      November 12, 2017 at 11:55 am

      Golden syrup is amazing isn’t it? It’s just so good in everything 🙂

      Reply
  55. Irena says

    November 6, 2017 at 5:03 pm

    You have so much great recipes on your blog and this one is no exception. I love baking and I am always searching for simple recipes that results with something divine. I am going to try this one for sure.

    Reply
  56. five little doves says

    November 6, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    WOW! These look amazing! I just showed this to my husband and he said, you know what youre making for me tomorrow right? Hehe! I think I will too!

    Reply
  57. Laurie Beth Gulley says

    November 6, 2017 at 3:13 pm

    Oh MY! Those are amazing. I love bars like this. I will definitely enter this into the running for thanksgiving desserts.

    Reply
  58. Neely Moldovan says

    November 6, 2017 at 11:35 am

    Well these are festive! They sound so good. I may try them for a holiday party we have in December!

    Reply
  59. Heather Johnson says

    November 6, 2017 at 10:38 am

    You had me at pecans! Yummers! Your bourbon twist on this classic pie looks and sounds absolutely amazing!

    Reply
  60. Sharon says

    November 6, 2017 at 10:15 am

    You had me at pecan pie! This is my favorite dessert of all time. Yes, I’ve a soft spot for desserts. I usually buy from the bakery store but this recipe looks simple for me to follow. I’m going to try this for sure. Thanks!

    Reply
  61. robin rue says

    November 6, 2017 at 8:30 am

    These bars sound so good. I was actually looking for something like this to make for dessert on Thanksgiving, so I am glad I found your recipe.

    Reply

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Welcome to The Unlikely Baker!

Hi! I'm Jolina and I'm definitely a late bloomer, a thoroughly unexpected baker. You wouldn't find me in the kitchen as a child. And I have no memories of baking cookies with my grandma. I loved to eat, I just had absolutely no interest in cooking or baking. But now I can’t wait to come home and bake something. I guess life is funny that way. Extraordinary too. READ MORE.

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