Kentucky Derby Pecan Bars (Print Version)

Buttery shortbread crust with pecan filling and bourbon glaze, perfect for festive celebrations.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortbread Crust

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Pecan Pie Filling

05 - 3 large eggs
06 - 1 cup packed light brown sugar
07 - 1 cup light corn syrup
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
09 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 cups pecan halves

→ Bourbon Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
14 - 2 tablespoons bourbon
15 - 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and salt; mix until a crumbly dough forms.
03 - Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden.
04 - While crust bakes, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in pecan halves.
05 - Pour filling evenly over hot crust. Return to oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes, or until filling is set and just slightly jiggles in the center.
06 - Let bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
07 - Whisk together powdered sugar, bourbon, and 1 tablespoon milk until smooth. Add additional milk as needed for pourable consistency.
08 - Drizzle glaze over cooled bars. Let set for 15 minutes, then lift from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect for sharing at parties and gatherings with a yield of 16 generous bars
  • Combines the elegance of pecan pie with the convenience of handheld bars
  • The bourbon glaze adds a sophisticated touch that elevates these from ordinary to extraordinary
  • Easier to serve than traditional pie while delivering all the classic flavors
  • The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect foundation for the rich, gooey filling
02 -
  • Always sift your powdered sugar before making the glaze to avoid lumps
  • Pour the filling over the hot crust to help the layers bond together
  • The filling should still have a slight jiggle in the center when done—it will set as it cools
  • Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor in both the filling and glaze
  • Let the glaze set for the full 15 minutes before cutting to ensure clean, beautiful bars
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