Texan Pecan Pie Bars with Bourbon Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet and nutty pecan pie bars with a buttery crust and a smooth bourbon glaze, perfect for a Southern-inspired dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 75 minutes layers all-purpose flour, 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves 12 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cut in 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, then pour this filling evenly over the baked crust.
  6. Step 6: Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes until the filling is set and golden brown around edges.
  7. Step 7: While bars cool, whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 tablespoon heavy cream in a small bowl until smooth to make the glaze.
  8. Step 8: Drizzle the bourbon glaze over the cooled bars, then cut into squares and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texan Pecan Pie Bars with Bourbon Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (20 min prep + 55 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 Texan Pecan Pie 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 Texan Pecan Pie 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 Texan Pecan Pie 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 Texan Pecan Pie 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.

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