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.
(Can’t get enough of pecan desserts? Try pecan pie cheesecake bars. Caramel butter pecan topping, creamy cheesecake layer, graham cracker pecan cookie base. Delicious!)
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
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
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
And did I mention this is a breeze to make? Watch the video and see how easy!
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!
Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Bourbon Pecan Pie Topping:
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar tightly packed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup golden syrup you can substitute corn syrup
- 4 pcs large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp bourbon
- 2 cups pecans roughly chopped
Instructions
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges start turning a light golden brown.
- Take out of the oven while you work on your filling. Do not turn oven off.
For the Bourbon Pecan Pie Topping:
- Put all ingredients in a large bowl except the pecans. Stir until thoroughly combined. Add the pecans and stir.
- Transfer onto your prepared crust and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted close to the edge comes out with minimal dry crumbs. Cool in the pan before slicing into bars.
Video
Notes
- The yield depends on how big you slice the bars. These are very rich so a little goes a long way. We've found slicing them into 40 squares results to perfect bite-size pieces but you can slice them bigger if you like.
- In the ingredient list above, I put 2 cups of pecans but feel free to add more. I usually use between 2 and 2 1/2 cups of nuts to cover my whole pan.
- We store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge. It is absolutely delightful chilled!
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:
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- Treacle Tart – Harry Potter’s Favourite!
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- Eggless Key Lime Pie
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- No-Bake Raspberry White Chocolate Tart (with video)
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- Creamy Meyer Lemon Pie
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Holly Cadwalader says
Just made 2 batches of these tonight and they are amazing! I don’t think i’ll go back to regular pecan pie ever!
Jolina says
Glad you liked them Holly! They’re gooood aren’t they? 🙂 Happy thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
Amanda says
We have a tin of golden syrup wasting away in the cupboard so when I saw this I knew I had to make it. No bourbon, added more vanilla. It was amazing. We simply can’t get enough. Thank you for the recipe. I see you love golden syrup too I’m going to try your other recipes as well. Have a good day.
Jolina says
Glad you liked them Amanda! A good tin of golden syrup must never stay ignored in the cupboard too long lol 🙂 Have a great day yourself!
Claire says
I just love golden syrup so I knew I had to make these!
THEY WERE SO GOOD! I planned to take some to a friends house, but there wasn’t enough left!
I’m going to make these for our cookie exchange this year!
Jolina says
Yay! 🙂 They are pretty popular here too. Everyone loves them. Golden syrup is just so goooood.
Lala says
Hi Jolina, I’m Canadian too and buy golden syrup at our local sobey’s. I’ve been making your pecan bars for a while now and they’re become my “thing” at family gatherings which is funnny because I’m not known as the baker. Another batch is in the oven for our friendsgiving. Thank you Jolina and a happy thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!
Jolina says
Hello Lala! You are most welcome and hope you had a wonderful thanksgiving 🙂
Giselle says
I saw your video on facebook and made it the next day. Skipped the bourbon so my kids can eat it and used maple syrup. The bars were delicious. Hubby wants a bourbon version for Thanksgiving. Thanks for the recipe!
Jolina says
You’re most welcome Giselle! Glad you and the family liked it. Hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving 🙂
Susan says
Hi. I’ve read comments on several other recipes that complained about the edges coming out too hard. Does this recipe have that problem? If so, do you know how much to shorten the baking time?
Jolina says
Hi Susan. This has crusty, but not burnt, edges. To avoid tough edges, I usually take the pan out of the oven when my toothpick tester comes out with minimal crumbs – not wet batter but not thoroughly clean either. I find that if a toothpick comes out clean then I’d overbaked it. And if I did, I just trim the edges a little and it looks like nothing happened 🙂 Hope this helps!
Red says
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…
Jolina says
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
Tess says
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 )
Jolina says
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
Tess says
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
Jolina says
LOL I’m glad it worked out! Hope you find golden syrup though. It’s really good…. 🙂
Lin Oh says
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.
Jolina says
Awesome! Glad you liked it 🙂
Tasha Dewdney says
I would definitely break my diet for this! Sounds like and looks like a very fulfilling snack treat
Sudhakar says
Golden syrup is awesome stuff. Great on porridge. Excellent recipe.
Dawn says
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!
Jolina says
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!
Linda says
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.
Lauren says
Omg I NEED to make this!!
Krystal says
These look really good. I think they’d make the perfect Thanksgiving dessert!
Jen S says
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.
Kim says
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!
Ashley says
You had me at shortbread, the rest is just a fantastic perk. These look incredible!
Ananda says
oh my! these pecan pie bars are so scrumptious! your photos really captured the deliciousness!
Patricia says
What a great holiday treat! Looks scrumptious! I have to say that I love the bourbon in these goodies!
Shell says
Wow these look absolutely amazing and delicious!!! I can’t wait to make these for my family.
Sara Nichols says
OMG my mouth is literally watering!
Cara says
You can’t get much more festive than bourbon pecan pie bars! These are delicious and are the perfect holiday treat!
Leah says
You know you had me at bourbon! These bars sound so good, and what a delicious mash-up of holiday favorites! Yum!
Jolina says
LOL I knew you’d like these Leah! 🙂
Rachel says
You’re right! These bars will definitely simplify life instead of having to work on a pie crust. Love the bourbon pecan pairing.
Veena Azmanov says
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.
Jolina says
Thanks Veena! Yes, pecans feel and taste so fall-y for me 🙂 Can’t wait to see your pecan tarts!
Samantha says
This sounds amazing! I think this would be a fun substitution for pecan pie at Thanksgiving this year! Thanks!
Mei says
Yours recipes always leave me with a watery mouth! these look really delicious and you make everything seem easy to make! Thank you ^^
Nikki says
These look so incredible and perfect for the holidays. I bet paired with some butter pecan ice cream would be amazing!!
Jolina says
Now I’m craving for some butter pecan ice cream! 🙂
Sajad says
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.
Julie Syl says
Woww! This is totally looks good! I would love to try all of these!
Arlene Mobley says
My family would go crazy for these bars on Thanksgiving.
Carol Cassara says
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!
Jolina says
I love it with tea, in the morning, as an afternoon snack or after dinner! 🙂
Blair villanueva says
Absolutely delectable, and i wish it would pop out on my screen so I could eat them all. Hahaha.
Can I grab your recipe?
Ellie Chan says
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!
Adriana says
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.
Vee says
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!
Akamatra says
I don’t have to tell you your photographs are awesome! They make me want to reach and have a piece of this delicacy!
Charlotte says
wow I don’t think I have ever tried bourbon pecan but my husband is interested in this recipe now!
Angela Tolsma says
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.
Stephany Bissonette says
These look absolutely delightful! I think I need to make a trip to the store now lol
Marisa Franca says
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.
Andrea says
I have one question – I can not use any kind of liquor – what can I substitute?
Jolina says
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
Deborah Regen says
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.
Jeanine says
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!
Gloria says
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!!
Jolina says
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!
Janella Panchamsingh says
Yum, I love bars! and these look so good. especially with the bourbon in it
Denise Wright says
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!
Jolina says
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!
Angie says
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.
Jolina says
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 🙂
EG III says
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.
Jolina says
Right? 🙂 Plus, it’s the holidays!
Karly says
Yesss! Love Pecan Pie in any way shape or form, but these look beyond amazing. Love the shortbread crust!
Ali Rost says
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
Jolina says
LOL 9 sticks of butter wowwww but that sounds so delicious!
Cheska says
Yes to Pecan pie bars and double yes to bourbon! My kind of thanksgiving dessert.
Laurie says
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!
Ana De- Jesus says
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
Jolina says
Golden syrup is amazing isn’t it? It’s just so good in everything 🙂
Irena says
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.
Laura says
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!
Laurie Beth Gulley says
Oh MY! Those are amazing. I love bars like this. I will definitely enter this into the running for thanksgiving desserts.
Neely Moldovan says
Well these are festive! They sound so good. I may try them for a holiday party we have in December!
Heather Johnson says
You had me at pecans! Yummers! Your bourbon twist on this classic pie looks and sounds absolutely amazing!
Sharon says
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!
robin rue says
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.