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Easy Bourbon Pecan Brownie Bars Recipe Perfect for a Crowd

bourbon pecan brownie bars - featured image

These bourbon pecan brownie bars are fudgy with a nutty crunch and a subtle kick of bourbon, perfect for gatherings and potlucks. They are quick, easy, and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Toast the pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking for 7-8 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and bourbon.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  7. Fold in about 1 1/4 cups of the toasted pecans, reserving the rest for topping.
  8. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, starting to check at 28 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least one hour.
  11. Use the parchment overhang to lift the slab out of the pan and slice into 24 squares.

Notes

Always toast pecans to enhance flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep brownies fudgy. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup. Adjust baking time based on your oven. Bars keep well at room temperature for 3 days and freeze well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon, pecan, brownie bars, easy dessert, crowd-pleaser, fudgy brownies, toasted pecans, bourbon brownies