Introduction
Craving something indulgent yet comforting? These Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey bourbon-caramel pecan filling, and a dash of sea salt for that perfect balance, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures to create a memorable treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars?
Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are a twist on the classic pecan pie, served in a bar form for a more portable, bite-sized delight. They consist of three layers:
- Shortbread Crust: A buttery, slightly sweet base that adds a crumbly, delicate foundation to the bars.
- Bourbon Caramel Filling: A rich, gooey filling made with butter, brown sugar, maple syrup (or corn syrup), heavy cream, bourbon, and salt. This mixture is cooked down into a luscious caramel sauce and topped with pecans.
- Sea Salt Garnish: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top to enhance the caramel’s sweetness and provide a touch of savory balance.
The final result is a combination of melt-in-your-mouth textures and a sweet, smoky flavor from the bourbon. These bars are easy to make and the perfect treat for any occasion!
Origin of the Recipe
The pecan pie is a beloved dessert that originated in the Southern United States. It’s known for its rich, sweet filling made with eggs, corn syrup, butter, and pecans. Over time, people began to experiment with different versions of the recipe, adding various ingredients like chocolate, whiskey, and bourbon to elevate the flavors.
This Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars recipe takes that Southern classic to a new level. The use of bourbon adds an extra depth to the caramel filling, while the sea salt provides a subtle savory touch that complements the sweetness beautifully. The creation of this recipe combines modern twists with classic Southern traditions, making it a unique and decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
Bourbon Caramel Pecan Filling:
- ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup or light corn syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
- ½ tsp salt
- 2½ cups (250 g) roughly chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Preheat & Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This will help ensure your bars come out cleanly and easily.
2. Make the Shortbread Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Once combined, stir in all-purpose flour until the dough forms. The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky.
Next, press the dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Once done, allow the crust to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Make the Bourbon Caramel Filling
For the bourbon caramel filling, start by melting unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, maple syrup (or corn syrup), and heavy cream to the saucepan. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to cook for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in bourbon, salt, vanilla extract, and roughly chopped pecans. Be cautious when adding bourbon, as the mixture will bubble up! Stir everything together until the pecans are well coated in the caramel sauce.
4. Assemble & Bake
Pour the bourbon-caramel-pecan mixture over the partially baked shortbread crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and set at the edges.
5. Cool & Finish
Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, or for faster setting, chill them in the refrigerator. Once cooled, sprinkle the bars with a generous amount of flaky sea salt.
For clean slices, chill the bars for about 30 minutes before cutting them into squares with a sharp knife.
Variations
While the original recipe is a crowd favorite, there are a few ways you can experiment with flavors and ingredients to make these bars your own!
- Bourbon-Free Version: For a non-alcoholic alternative, you can substitute the bourbon with apple cider or an extra splash of heavy cream. Both options will add a different but equally delicious depth of flavor.
- Extra Caramel Flavor: For even more of that caramel richness, you can increase the amount of maple syrup or heavy cream used in the filling. Just make sure the consistency remains thick enough to set properly when baked.
- Chocolate Lovers: If you’re a fan of chocolate, try adding a layer of chocolate chips on top of the shortbread crust before pouring the caramel mixture. This will give the bars a delightful chocolatey twist!
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans beforehand enhances their flavor and adds a wonderful roasted aroma to the bars. Simply toast the pecans at 350°F for 8–10 minutes before chopping them up and adding them to the filling.
FAQs about Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
1. How long do these bars last?
These bars can be stored at room temperature for about 3 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
2. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully. To freeze, cut the bars into squares, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow them to thaw at room temperature.
3. Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! You can make these bars 1–2 days ahead of time and store them in the fridge. This also helps the flavors develop even more, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert option.
4. Can I make this without pecans?
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t like pecans, feel free to substitute them with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips for a completely different take on the bars.
5. How can I make the bars less sweet?
If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling or opt for dark chocolate as a topping instead of the sea salt. Additionally, using unsweetened maple syrup can also reduce the overall sugar content.
Conclusion: Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars
In conclusion, these Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect blend of indulgent flavors, textures, and a touch of sophistication. With a buttery shortbread crust, gooey bourbon-caramel filling, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite is pure bliss. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these bars are sure to impress. Enjoy the deliciousness with friends, family, or savor them alone—you won’t regret it!
Print
Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: A Deliciously Decadent Treat
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving something indulgent yet comforting? These Salted Bourbon Caramel Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey bourbon-caramel pecan filling, and a dash of sea salt for that perfect balance, this recipe combines rich flavors and textures to create a memorable treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust:
1 cup (2 sticks / 226 g) unsalted butter, melted
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
For the Bourbon Caramel Pecan Filling:
¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup (80 ml) pure maple syrup or light corn syrup
¼ cup (60 ml) bourbon
½ tsp salt
2½ cups (250 g) roughly chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract
Flaky sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt.
Stir in the flour until combined — the dough will be thick.
Press evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until lightly golden.
Cool slightly while you make the filling.
3. Make the Bourbon Caramel Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, syrup, and heavy cream.
Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in bourbon, salt, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
(Be careful — mixture will bubble when you add bourbon.)
4. Assemble & Bake
Pour the pecan-caramel mixture evenly over the partially baked crust.
Return to oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and set at the edges.
Cool completely at room temperature (or chill for faster setting).
5. Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before cutting into bars.
For clean edges, chill for 30 minutes before slicing with a sharp knife.
Notes
For an irresistible finish, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the warm caramel layer. These bars taste even better the next day, so make them ahead for gatherings or holiday treats!
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars, Salted Caramel Pecan Bars, Caramel Bourbon Pecan Bars, Pecan Pie Bars with Bourbon, Salted Caramel Bars
