Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars
Sweet and nutty pecan bars with a maple and bourbon-infused filling, combining rich Southern flavors in a portable dessert. This southern united states-inspired desserts ready in about 70 minutes layers all-purpose flour, cold, cubed unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a food processor, pulse 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter cubes, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped pecans to the filling mixture. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust.
- Step 5: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed but still jiggles a bit in the center.
- Step 6: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Maple-Glazed Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars?
Southern United States desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
