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Easy Budget-Friendly Derby Bourbon Pecan Bars

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A simple, budget-friendly recipe for rich and buttery Derby Bourbon Pecan Bars with a subtle bourbon kick and crunchy pecans, perfect for homemade treats and parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup (can substitute with maple syrup or honey)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) bourbon whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¼ cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Gradually mix in 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon salt until just combined. If dough feels too dry, add a teaspoon of cold water.
  4. Press crust evenly into the prepared pan using fingers or the bottom of a glass.
  5. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
  6. While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 cup light brown sugar, 1 large egg, ½ cup light corn syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Stir in 1 ½ cups chopped pecans.
  8. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust and spread gently with a spatula.
  9. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and slightly bubbling at the edges. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool completely in the pan for at least an hour or refrigerate to firm up faster.
  11. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife.

Notes

Do not overmix the crust dough to keep it tender and crumbly. Use room temperature ingredients for better blending. Toast pecans lightly for enhanced flavor. Line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bars taste better after resting for a day. For non-alcoholic version, omit bourbon and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract plus a splash of apple juice or water.

Nutrition

Keywords: Derby Bourbon Pecan Bars, pecan bars, bourbon dessert, easy pecan bars, budget-friendly dessert, homemade treats, pecan recipes

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/easy-budget-friendly-derby-bourbon-pecan-bars-recipe-for-perfect-homemade-treats/