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Best Kid-Approved Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

kid-approved maple bourbon pecan pie bars - featured image
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These easy pecan pie bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich maple-pecan filling with a hint of bourbon, and are perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, or a simple weeknight treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush with melted butter.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces.
  3. Press mixture firmly into an even layer in the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Set on a cooling rack.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy and light yellow, about 30 seconds. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
  5. Stir in pecans. Pour filling over hot crust, spreading pecans evenly.
  6. Bake for 28-32 minutes, rotating pan halfway through, until edges are set and center is just slightly jiggly.
  7. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 2 hours. Use parchment handles to lift slab onto a cutting board. Slice into 24 bars (6 rows by 4 rows) with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.

Notes

For best results, toast pecans at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before adding. Use room temperature eggs. Let bars cool completely before slicing. Bars taste even better the next day. For a bourbon-free version, replace bourbon with 2 tablespoons maple syrup and ½ teaspoon maple extract.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple bourbon, kid-friendly, easy dessert, Thanksgiving, holiday baking

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/best-kid-approved-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars/