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Perfect Mint Julep Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

mint julep bourbon pecan pie bars - featured image
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These bars combine a buttery crust with a caramelized pecan filling infused with bourbon and fresh mint, creating a rich Southern-inspired dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (180 g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115 g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 g)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (150 g)
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup (120 ml) (can substitute with maple syrup)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (60 g)
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (60 ml)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted lightly (150 g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp bourbon drizzle (optional, for serving)
  • Mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  3. Prepare the filling: While the crust bakes, whisk eggs in a large bowl until frothy. Add brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and glossy.
  4. Toast and chop pecans: Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), checking frequently. Let cool, then roughly chop and fold into the filling along with finely chopped fresh mint leaves.
  5. Assemble and bake: Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  6. Cool completely: Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool for at least 1 hour to let the filling firm up.
  7. Slice and serve: Cut into bars using a sharp knife. Drizzle with bourbon and garnish with mint sprigs if desired. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

Use cold butter for a flaky crust. Toast pecans to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent cracking. Let bars cool completely before slicing for neat pieces. If fresh mint is unavailable, peppermint extract or omitting mint works. Adjust sugar to taste. For gluten-free, substitute flour with a gluten-free blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon pecan pie bars, mint julep dessert, pecan bars, bourbon dessert, Southern dessert, easy pecan bars, mint pecan bars

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