If you like pecan bars, you will go nuts for this bourbon and chocolate version! These chocolate bourbon pecan bars are soft, chewy, crunchy, and gooey. They’re unlike any other bar dessert I’ve made.
Layering chocolate pecan pie filling, spiked with bourbon, over a chocolate cookie crust will up your pecan bar game. Who knew that all these flavors would be so great together!
This takes pecan pie bars to a whole new level!!
The recipe is so easy. You won’t need to pull out the heavy mixer. Nope, not today – just a couple of bowls and a spatula.
I made a fairly small batch in a 9x9-inch baking pan, but I cut the bars rather large. You can always double the recipe or cut them smaller to feed more people if needed.
Start by making the chocolate cookie bottom. Simply toss together some flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Melt a little butter and mix in some cocoa powder. Then stir the buttery chocolate into the flour. The bottom needs to bake for about 20 minutes so that it’s sturdy enough to hold the gooey topping.
Next comes the filling. It’s similar to traditional style pecan pie filling, except I added bourbon and some melted chocolate. You could easily skip the bourbon, but I think it’s vital for flavor. Besides, all the alcohol will get baked out because these decadent bars are going back into the oven.
As the bars bake, the filling melds together, holding all the pecans into place; leaving no corner untouched with the sticky sweet filling. Each bar is rich chocolaty goodness.
The bars bake for another 25 minutes and will need to cool completely before cutting them. I actually let mine sit overnight. If you’re in a hurry you can cool them on the counter for a few minutes and then pop them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. They should be sturdy enough to cut by then.
Grab a tall glass of milk and sink your teeth into a soft, buttery, chewy, and crunchy dessert. The bourbon pairs nicely with the chocolate and the pecans add such a wonderful texture contrast.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars
If you like pecan bars, you will go nuts for this bourbon and chocolate version! These chocolate bourbon pecan bars are soft, chewy, crunchy, and gooey. They’re unlike any other bar dessert I’ve made.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 7 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the filling
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, room temperature, lightly beaten
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
Instructions
Make the crust
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- Combine the melted butter and cocoa powder in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir to combine. Pour chocolate butter mixture into the flour and toss together until evenly mixed. The dough will the thick. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.
Make the filling
- While the crust is baking, place butter and chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds. Stir well. If chocolate isn't fully melted, heat in 10-second interval until fully melted. Stir well after each interval. Whisk in the sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, vanilla, and salt until combined. Add the egg and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Pour the filling over the hot crust. Sprinkle the top with pecans. Bake for 25 minutes or until the edges begin to firm up. (The center will remain wobbly, like it is under done. That is okay. It will firm up as it cools.) Cool the bars completely on a wire rack. Lift the foil out of the pan to remove the bars and transfer to a cutting board. Cut the bars into 16 pieces.
Notes
The bars need to be cooled completely before cutting. If you are short on time, put them in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 292Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 220mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 2gSugar: 22gProtein: 3g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the values shown are just an estimate.
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
These bars look incredible, Jen! Love how soft, chewy and gooey they are! The bourbon sounds amazing in here!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
These are awesome! You're sending me a dozen, right? 🙂
Jen says
They are on the way! 😉
Ben Maclain | Havocinthekitchen says
Jen, I'm not afraid to say that this is a crime because you've got an outrageously delicious dessert! Pecans, chocolate, brown sugar...well I'm already sold. But that wasn't enough and you incorporated the bourbon. As I said, outrageous 🙂
Jen says
Thanks, Ben! You're way too kind!
Michelle { A Latte Food } says
Oh my goodness, these look to die for, Jen! I love the addition of bourbon!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Michelle!
mira says
These look so good! Love the use of bourbon! Great job Jen!
Jen says
Thanks, Mira!
Katalina @ Peas and Ponies says
Chocolate and bourbon and pecans, this sounds like a thanksgiving dessert on a summer night, the flavors are perfect, I love the booze addition, would just love to grab one and enjoy now!
Jen says
You can never go wrong with chocolate and bourbon!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
Oh god these look amazing Jen, like I can see how gooey they are, I want to lick my screen! 😀
PS: love your new display picture 🙂
Jen says
Haha! Thanks, Manali! 😀
Medha @ Whisk & Shout says
These bars look amazing! Love the addition of chocolate and bourbon to a classic 🙂 So yum, pinning!
Jen says
Thank you so much, Medha!
Sarah | Broma Bakery says
I just went into virtual food coma. These are insane!
Jen says
Mission accomplished!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Oh my goodness, you have really outdone yourself here, Jen! These bars look amazing! I love the chocolate added into it!
Jen says
Thanks, Shelby!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Oh gosh! These bars look so gorgeous and delicious! Sounds like a perfect weekend treat! Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
Jen says
Thanks, Anu! Hope your weekend was fabulous!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Jen, I LOVE these bars!!!! I still have yet to bake with bourbon!!!! I NEED to make these!!! LOVE!
Jen says
You totally should!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
Wow these bars seriously look sensational!!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Wow these bars sound amazing, Jen! I love the bourbon in here. Sounds like the perfect Friday treat!
Jen says
Ringing in the weekend the right way! Ha. Happy Friday, friend!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Oh my gosh, I am swooning over these bars!! So many of my favorite dessert ingredients in one bite! I bet they're dangerously good, and I'm sure that I couldn't be trusted around an entire pan! Pinned. 🙂
Jen says
My dog wasn't trusted either. He tried to eat half while I was photographing the other half. Chocolate and foil = a very sick pup. Luckily I caught him in time! But yeah, these bars were admired by everyone in the house. 😉
Dina says
Oh my goodness!!! Sounds like you have my dog in your home...
We had to make THREE wedding cakes for my daughter because was they were cooling, he would somehow figure out a way into the kitchen when we were not paying attention and get a couple bites!!! Thank goodness he didn't get sick from it but boy was that an additional CRAZY day because of that!!!
Made some serious memories to be talked about for many years!
Jen Sobjack says
Hahaha! He's a mess for sure and has certainly given us memories filled with his shenanigans. Life wouldn't be the same without him!