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Budget-Friendly Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

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These budget-friendly maple bourbon pecan pie bars are a last-minute bake sale hero. With a simple shortbread crust, a rich maple-bourbon filling, and toasted pecans, they deliver classic pecan pie flavor without the fuss or high cost.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (170g, 1.5 sticks)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup pure maple syrup (180ml)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (57g, half a stick)
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon (30ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecan halves or pieces (200g)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut butter into flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand with a few pea-sized butter lumps. Press firmly into an even layer in the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, until edges are light golden brown. Set on a wire rack to cool slightly. Leave oven on.
  4. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended): Spread 2 cups pecan pieces on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 4-5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  5. Make the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk 3 eggs until frothy. Add 3/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon flour over the top and whisk until no lumps remain.
  6. Assemble the bars: Sprinkle toasted pecans evenly over the warm pre-baked crust. Pour filling over pecans, spreading to all corners. Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly when shaken.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate for another 2 hours until fully firm.
  9. Use parchment sling to lift bars out of pan. Cut into 24 squares (6 rows by 4 rows) with a sharp knife, wiping blade clean between cuts.

Notes

For clean cuts, run knife under hot water and wipe dry between slices. Chill bars completely before cutting. If avoiding bourbon, substitute 1 tablespoon water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie bars, maple bourbon, budget-friendly, shortbread crust, bake sale, easy dessert

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/budget-friendly-maple-bourbon-pecan-pie-bars-50-characters/