New Orleans Pecan Pie Bars

A twist on the classic Southern dessert, these pecan pie bars combine the rich flavors of a traditional pecan pie with the convenience of a bar cookie. With a shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and a hint of bourbon, these bars are sure to become a new favorite.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs large eggs
• 1 tbsp bourbon
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (170°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

2. 2

   Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.

3. 3

   Step 3: Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into a crumbly mixture.

4. 4

   Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. 5

   Step 5: Bake the crust for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

6. 6

   Step 6: While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the pecans, corn syrup, honey, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla extract.

7. 7

   Step 7: Stir in the melted butter and sea salt until well combined.

8. 8

   Step 8: When the crust is ready, remove it from the oven and carefully spread the pecan filling over the top.

9. 9

   Step 9: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

10. 10

    Step 10: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

11. 11

    Step 11: Once the bars have cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper or foil to lift them out of the baking dish and transfer them to a cutting board.

12. 12

    Step 12: Cut the bars into desired size and serve.

💡 Pro Tips

To ensure that the pecans are evenly toasted, stir them frequently while they're baking. If using a convection oven, reduce the baking time by 5-10 minutes. To make the bars more gooey, bake them for an additional 5-10 minutes. To store the bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days.

📊 Nutrition per Serving