Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Bars
These sweet bars are guaranteed to be a hit! Starting with classic pecan pie flavors, the addition of dark chocolate takes these bars to a new level. The crunchy pecans, dark chocolate, and a final sprinkle of flake salt balances out the sweetness that typifies traditional pecan pie. Easy and quick to assemble, these bars are perfect for sharing during the holiday season ahead.
For greasing the pan
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
Crust Ingredients
- 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
Filling Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 oz dark chocolate chips
- 2 cups pecan halves, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon flake salt, for sprinkling (try our Olivelle Vanilla Bean Sea Salt!)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter, dust with cocoa powder, and shake out excess.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. In a stand mixer, beat butter, cream cheese, and bourbon until combined. Slowly add flour mixture until it forms a coarse crumb. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixer, lightly beat eggs, then add corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, bourbon, cinnamon, and vanilla. Mix until combined. Fold in chocolate chips and pour over the crust. Top with pecans and press gently.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is browned, edges are bubbling, and center is set but slightly jiggly. Sprinkle with flake salt.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into bars and serve, optionally with vanilla bean ice cream.