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Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars are a fun twist on Karo’s original Pecan Pie Bars. They’re the perfect bar dessert for the holidays!
This post is sponsored by Karo® Syrup as part of the Season of Sweetness Blogger Program. Thank you for continuing to support the brands that make My Baking Addiction possible.
I have a confession. I’m a bit of a control freak – especially when it comes to holiday meals.
I have an amazing family that always offers to bring dishes to pass for Thanksgiving dinner. And I’m like, “Awesome, can you bring soda, ice and perhaps some corn?” I mean, corn is corn, right?
I’m not gonna lie, when people start asking if they can bring mashed potatoes, stuffing, or dessert, I smile, get all awkward, and tell them I have everything under control. And I totally don’t.
As weird as it may sound, I’ve always sort of thrived under pressure and sometimes I kind of enjoy it.
And let’s be real, no one is messing with my mashed potatoes, stuffing, or dessert. I make all the carbs. Even if it mean I’m up until 3:00 AM the night before Thanksgiving.
This year, I’m feeling slightly ahead of the game. I’ve already picked up our turkey and ham and have all the rest of the ingredients scheduled for delivery. Yes, I’m totally going the delivery route this year.
Although I’m one of those people that sort of loves to grocery shop (as long as it’s before 9:00 AM), I have zero love for holiday grocery shopping.
Or in-store holiday shopping in general, which our lovely UPS guy will totally attest too. Bless his heart. And back.
Tis’ the season of sweetness! The time to get into the holiday spirit with decorating, gifting and, most importantly, treating the ones you love with something sweet, delicious and homemade.
Thanksgiving is just not Thanksgiving without Pecan Pie. But this year, I decided to kick it up a notch with a splash of bourbon and dark chocolate. Sounds pretty incredible, right?
And instead of pie, I’m going the bar route because I love having a pick up and enjoy option. No fork required! Which means less dishes too!
These Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars have just the right amount of sweetness and perfect texture thanks to Karo® Syrup. It creates the best texture! Smooth and gooey, and oh-so-good.
Plus, this recipe makes a lot of Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars, so there’s plenty to share with everyone you love. Which is a great thing, because my family pretty much sustains life on leftovers for a solid week after Thanksgiving.
My only leftover rule: bring your own containers.
Of course, these bars would be great at any family event, spring, summer, fall or winter. Take them along to soccer practice or a potluck for New Year’s. They’re going to be the talk of the party, I can guarantee you that.
Oh man. It’s holiday season, y’all. Who else is ready to sing while bopping around the kitchen to Bing Crosby and The Chipmunks Christmas? With a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bar in hand, of course.
For more delicious desserts using Karo® Syrup, be sure to check out these Mini Chocolate Pecan Cheesecakes and these Chocolate Scotcheroos.
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 4 large eggs
- 1-1/2 cups Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup
- 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon*
- 2-1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
- 1-1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- For the CRUST: Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix flour, butter, powdered sugar and salt with an electric mixer until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into a greased 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan OR a 17 x 12 x 1-inch pan.
- Bake 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For the FILLING: Beat eggs, corn syrup, sugar, cinnamon, butter, vanilla and bourbon in a large bowl until well blended. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour over hot crust; spread evenly.
- Bake 25 minutes at 350°F until filling is firm around the edges and slightly firm in center. Cool completely on wire rack before serving.
Notes
- If you are not a fan of bourbon, or don't have any on hand, you can simply omit it from the recipe.
Hi is this possible to make with walnuts instead of pecans? We aren’t too much a pecan family ,lol. Thank you !
Hello! Yes, you could make this recipe with walnuts instead of pecans. Happy baking!
Jamie
Is there a way to bake this in a 9×13?
Hello! I haven’t attempted this recipe in a 9×13 pan, so I am not sure of the result. If you happen to give it a try, I’d love to know how they turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by.
-Jamie
I’m Australian but don’t hold that against me…I love Pecan pie! But your version with bourbon and chocolate is great. After all that work i hope you use disposable plates!!
Ha! They’re actually really simple to make! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
-Jamie
These are insanely beautiful! Perfect for Christmas. Can’t wait to try it :)
Thanks so much for stopping by, Natalie! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
-Jamie
I guess I’ll just add this to the list of desserts to make for Thanksgiving! These look divine! If I make this on Wednesday – how would you store it? Fridge or on the counter?
Hello, Jennifer! Sorry for the delayed response. I stored mine in the fridge, but I let them come to room temperature before serving. I hope this helps.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
-Jamie
It’s just not Thanksgiving without pecan pie and I’m totally with you on the bar idea! PS I need that coffee pot!
I totally agree! It’s from Target and yes, you do need it! ;)
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
-Jamie