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Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars stacked on top of a red and white striped napkin.
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Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars! A gooey, bourbon & chocolate-infused pecan filling is baked atop a brown sugar shortbread crust. A perfect alternative to pecan pie for the holidays and beyond!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 bars
Author: The Kitchen Prep

Ingredients

For Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • ½ cup 1 stick butter, softened
  • ¼ cup brown sugar

Filling

  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon*
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
  • 1¼ cup pecan chips or roughly chopped pecans divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F . Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with foil (or parchment paper), allowing the "flaps" to extend over the sides for easy lifting. Spray with non-stick spray and set aside.

For Crust:

  • In a bowl, mix together flour, butter and brown sugar until the mixture is crumbly and can hold its shape when squeezed together. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until just starting to brown.

For Filling:

  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, bourbon and vanilla until smooth. Add chocolate chips and pecans and stir to combine.
  • Pour into the baked crust, then return to the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.
  • Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips and pecans.
  • Let cool completely. Use the overhanging flaps to pull out of the pan. Cut with a sharp knife to serve.

Notes

Note: Adapted from Nestle Classic Recipes Cookbook
Variations:
  • Add cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves to the filling for a hint of warm spice.
  • Add a few tablespoons of toffee bits to the topping or filling.
  • Brown the butter before adding it to the filling for another layer of flavor.
  • Add ½ cup of flaked coconut to the filling.
  • Try dark rum or Kahlua in place of bourbon.
  • Finish the bars off with a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel sea salt.
Diet-specific Substitutions:
  • Gluten-Free: Use your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour blend in place or regular all-purpose flour for the crust.
  • Vegan or Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and vegan egg substitute (such as JUST Egg) in place of regular.