Description
These Salted Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, tender crust with a rich, gooey filling made of dark chocolate, pecans, and a hint of bourbon, topped with flaky sea salt for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Perfect as a decadent dessert or a delicious treat to share at gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups unsalted pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon flaked sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper, then spray it lightly with nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Start mixing on low speed, then increase to medium. The mixture will resemble coarse crumbs and become almost dough-like. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 30 to 35 minutes, until it is slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the bourbon and vanilla extract and whisk again to combine.
- Add chocolate and pecans: Using a spatula, fold in the chopped dark chocolate and coarsely chopped pecans into the egg mixture.
- Bake the bars: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until the center is set. The bars may take closer to 40 minutes depending on your oven.
- Finish and cool: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the top with flaked sea salt. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. For best flavor and texture, refrigerate before serving. These bars freeze well for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor in the filling.
- Letting the bars cool completely before slicing helps them hold their shape better.
- For a different twist, substitute bourbon with dark rum or omit alcohol for a kid-friendly version.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- These bars freeze well; wrap tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
