Go Back
- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark) - 3 large eggs - 3/4 cup corn syrup - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon To create these bars, I focus on quality and balance. The all-purpose flour gives the crust its structure. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds a rich chocolate flavor. I use both brown sugar and granulated sugar for a nice blend of sweetness. Corn syrup adds that classic sticky texture we love in pecan pie. The eggs help bind everything together, making the filling creamy and rich. - Pecan types (English, Southern) - Chocolate chips preferences (semi-sweet or dark) - Flavor enhancers (vanilla extract, ground cinnamon) For the pecans, I recommend using either English or Southern types. English pecans are softer, while Southern ones provide a crunchier bite. When it comes to chocolate chips, semi-sweet or dark can change the flavor profile. Use what you like best! Adding a splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon can bring warmth and depth. These optional ingredients let you personalize your bars for your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to a great crust. In a medium bowl, mix together: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 teaspoon salt Use a whisk to blend these dry ingredients well. Next, add in 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix it with a fork or pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake this crust for 15 minutes, then remove it and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, crack 3 large eggs. Add in: - 3/4 cup corn syrup - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a rich base for your filling. Next, gently fold in: - 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped - 1 cup chocolate chips Make sure the nuts and chocolate are evenly mixed in. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness. Once your crust is ready, pour the filling over the warm crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You know it's done when the filling is set and puffs slightly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not liquid batter. After baking, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. This cooling time is important. It helps the bars set and makes cutting easier. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars. Clean the knife between cuts for neat edges. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get a great texture, focus on the crust first. Make sure the butter is soft. Mix your dry ingredients well before adding butter. You want a crumbly mix, not a paste. Press the mixture firmly into your baking dish. This helps the crust hold together. Bake it for just 15 minutes. This gives it a nice base for the filling. Now, for the filling, whisk the eggs until smooth. Mix in the corn syrup and sugars. This will ensure an even blend. When you fold in the pecans and chocolate, be gentle. You want them spread out, not mashed. After baking, let the bars cool completely. If you cut them too soon, they may crumble. To make your bars look fancy, dust them with powdered sugar. This simple touch makes a big difference. You can also serve them with vanilla ice cream. The creaminess balances the sweet and rich flavors. Pair these bars with a warm cup of coffee. The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness of the pie. If you prefer something sweeter, try dessert wine. This pairing makes for a delightful treat. Pro Tips Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to press into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help it hold its shape while baking. Use Quality Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Dark chocolate can add a rich depth to the bars, while semi-sweet offers a nice balance of sweetness. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. The edges should be set, but the center can have a slight jiggle when you take them out of the oven. Store Properly: To keep your bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just make sure to wrap them well! {{image_4}} You can have fun with different nuts in your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars. Try using walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans. Each nut adds its own unique flavor and texture. Walnuts give a slightly bitter taste, while hazelnuts add a sweet, nutty flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite nut combo! Another way to change the flavor is by adding different liqueurs. While bourbon is the classic choice, you can use rum or even brandy. Each liqueur brings a new depth to the bars. Just be careful not to add too much; a little goes a long way! If you want to make these bars gluten-free, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer blends that work well in baked goods. This change keeps the texture and taste similar to the original recipe. For those watching their sugar, you can use a sugar substitute. Options like stevia or erythritol can reduce sugar without losing sweetness. Always check the package for the right amount to use since these substitutes can vary in sweetness. Enjoy your delicious treat while sticking to your dietary goals! To keep your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly. If you plan to keep them at room temperature, place them in a cool, dry spot. Avoid sunlight to prevent melting chocolate. For longer storage, refrigeration is best. Place the bars in the fridge for added freshness. Just remember to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars can stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving. This way, they regain their delicious texture and flavor. Can I make these bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They taste even better after a day in the fridge. Just store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? To reheat leftovers, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them up without making them dry. You can also use the microwave for a quick heat-up. Just heat for about 15-20 seconds. Can I make these without bourbon? You can definitely make these without bourbon. Just leave it out and add a bit more vanilla extract. This will keep the flavor rich and sweet. You won’t miss the bourbon at all! Now you know how to make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars. We covered all the great ingredients, easy steps, and fun tips. You learned about crust, filling, and variations to try. Don’t forget storage tips for freshness. Each bar is a blend of flavors you can share and enjoy. Explore your creativity in the kitchen. With this recipe, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking adventure and savor every bite!

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

Delicious chocolate and pecan bars with a rich filling, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, packed brown sugar, and salt until well combined. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking dish to create a uniform crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  • Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the corn syrup, granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Add Chocolate and Pecans: Gently fold in the coarsely chopped pecans and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
  • Assemble the Bars: Once the crust is baked and has cooled slightly, pour the rich pecan and chocolate filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula for a consistent layer.
  • Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. The filling should be set with a slight puff; a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not liquid batter.
  • Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to cut into squares or bars, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, arrange the bars on a decorative platter. Lightly dust with powdered sugar to add an elegant touch. Consider serving them with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Keyword bars, chocolate, dessert, pecan