Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze
Buttery shortbread bars studded with toasted pecans, finished with a smooth bourbon-infused glaze. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, large egg 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 250 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 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup, chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy. Add 1 large egg and beat until combined. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and mix until a dough forms. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
- Step 3: Press dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are golden.
- Step 4: While bars bake, whisk 1/4 cup bourbon and 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a small bowl until smooth.
- Step 5: Let bars cool in pan for 15 minutes, then drizzle with bourbon glaze. Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze?
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 Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze?
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 Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze 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 Pecan Shortbread Bars with Bourbon Glaze?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Easy to make and absolutely delicious. The pecans are the star!
- ★★★★★
Loved the balance of sweet and nutty. Made for my daughter's birthday and she loved them.
- ★★★★★
These bars are a hit at my family gatherings! The bourbon glaze is perfect.
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