Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
at room temperature, 1 stick
- 2 ounces cream cheese
at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
packed
- 2 large eggs
at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
optional
- 2 1/2 cups chopped pecans
roasted & salted preferred
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
roughly chopped
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x 8-inch pan with parchment paper on all sides and set aside.
- 2
First, make the crust. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla and salt. Beat on low speed, gradually increasing to medium. At first the mixture will be dry, then pea-sized chunks will begin to form and eventually clump together into a dough. As soon as the dough clumps together, stop mixing. Place into baking pan and pat down the dough into an even layer. Bake until the crust has risen slightly and is a light golden brown, 10 minutes.
- 3
While the dough is baking, make your pecan pie filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, eggs, butter, salt, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using). Set aside.
- 4
Chop your chocolate and pecans and place in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Set aside.
- 5
Once the dough has cooked for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and top with the pecans and chocolate. Pour the sugar mixture over the chocolate and pecans, using a spatula to disperse it evenly.
- 6
Bake for 30 minutes, then remove from oven and place tin foil over your pan. Cook for an additional 10 minutes with the foil. This will help your center to cook while preventing the top from browning!
- 7
Remove from oven and allow to cool for at least 2 hours in the fridge before cutting into 9 large bars or 16 smaller bars and serving!!
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate holiday dessert that will impress everyone at your Thanksgiving table? These Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are designed to become your family's new favorite tradition, offering a delightful twist on a classic.
What makes these bars truly special is the thoughtful balance of rich, dark chocolate with the warm, nutty crunch of pecans, all brought together by a hint of smooth bourbon. The buttery, tender crust provides the perfect foundation for the gooey, flavorful filling, creating an irresistible texture contrast that sets them apart from traditional pecan pies.
Prepare for a decadent experience with every bite. You'll find a perfectly sweet and chewy filling, studded with plenty of crunchy pecans and delightful pockets of bittersweet chocolate, all resting on a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread-like crust. The optional bourbon adds a subtle warmth and complexity that elevates the traditional pecan pie flavor, making these bars truly unforgettable. This dessert delivers a delightful blend of classic comfort and sophisticated taste, perfect for any special occasion.
These versatile Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are easy to adapt to your preferences. If you prefer to skip the alcohol, simply omit the bourbon for an equally delicious, family-friendly treat. While roasted and salted pecans are preferred for their enhanced flavor and crunch, you can certainly use raw pecans if that's what you have on hand. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, though bittersweet is recommended for its balancing contrast to the sweet filling.
These rich bars are a superb choice for your Thanksgiving feast or any holiday gathering, offering a sophisticated yet comforting dessert. They are best enjoyed as a stand-alone treat, perhaps with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of milk.