Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars

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Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars are simply irresistible and 100% addicting. They are the perfect dessert for your Derby party, holiday tables or any special occasion.

It is that time of year again! April is bursting at the seams here in Louisville getting ready for the fastest 2 minutes in sports. Bourbon pecan and chocolate slab bars are a spin-off of a classic Derby and Kentucky dessert and perfect for your Derby party this year!

Chocolate Pecan Pie (commonly known as Derby Pie) is a Kentucky staple and a must-have dessert at any and all Derby occasions!

It is your classic pecan pie that you love at Thanksgiving but with luscious chocolate included in the filling. It is one of my chocolate-loving husband's favorite things in this world and for good reason.

stack of 3 Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars on top of each other.

I turned this classic recipe into a bar making it perfect for easy entertaining and every all to enjoy! Thick buttery shortbread crust, sticky sweet filling, and all the goodness in one irresistible bite!

They are easy to share, no forks needed, and this makes enough for a small army. Or really just enough for your party. 🙂

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Ingredients
How to Make
Frequently Asked Questions
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Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars

Ingredients

This recipe consists of to seperate parts.

The crust. And the Filling.

For the crust you will need:

Butter
Powdered Sugar
Sugar
Bourbon
Flour

And the filling you will need:

Butter
Eggs
Brown Sugar
Corn Syrup
Bourbon
Salt
Cornmeal
Pecans
Dark Chocolate Chips

clear bowls full of chocolate chips, and brown sugar. bourbon, melted butter. pecans, salt and cornmeal, eggs, and corn syrup.

How to Make

The first thing you will need to do is make and partially bake the buttery shortbread crust.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
In a stand mixer, add your butter and beat until fluffy - about 2-3 minutes. Add in your sugars and mix for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add in your bourbon and flour and mix until just combined. This will be a crumbly texture.
In a 9x13 baking sheet, lay down parchment paper that hangs over the sides. Place your crust mixture on top of the parchment paper and press down with your hands. Spread out into the corners making sure there is an even layer across the pan. Pack the shortbread crust down tightly until well packed.
Bake for 20 minutes.

a shortbread crust in a baking sheet before going into the oven.

While the crust is cooking, you can get your filling together. It is super simple and can be made with 1 bowl and whisk!

In a large bowl add the melted butter, eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon, salt, and cornmeal. Using a whisk, mix until everything is well combined.
Next, add in your chopped pecans and and dark chocolate chips and stir until mixed well.
Pour filling over pre-baked crust. Make sure the filling covers the pan in an even layer and carefully place it back into the oven.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until set in the middle. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
Once cooled cut into bars and enjoy!

filling for Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars in a clear bowl.

Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars before going into the oven to bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time or frozen?

You better believe you can make bourbon pecan and chocolate slab bars in advance!
To Make Ahead: you can make this recipe up to 48 hours before needing to serve. Make the recipe and let cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Remove and slice into squares when ready to serve. These can be served cold or at room temp.
To freeze: Make the recipe completely and let cool. Wrap the pan with cooked bars tightly in plastic wrap (3 times) or foil - making sure all air is out and store in the freezer for 3-6 months. To thaw - place in the fridge 24 hours before needing. You may want to set it on the counter for a little bit too if not completely thawed. Sliced as desired.

What is the best bourbon to use in this recipe?

Any of them are great! Coming from the heart of bourbon country there are so many great options! My mom always baked with Maker's Mark. Rule of thumb I use, if you don't like to drink it, don't bake with it. Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Single Barre and Small Batch, Mitchers Rye, and Old Grand Dad 114 are some great options to drink and bake with under $50.

Can I make bourbon pecan and chocolate slab bars without bourbon?

Yes, just sub out for 1 teaspoon of vanilla in the crust and 1 tablespoon of vanilla in the filling.

How do I know the filling is cooked all the way?

With a liquidy filling, you want to make sure it is cooked completely so you don't end up with a soupy bar when you slice into them. When the time is up, wiggle the pan and there should be minimal to no jiggle in the center and the center be set. If there is some jiggle to it, place it back in the oven and continue baking 5 minutes at a time until the center is set.

How do I store the leftovers?

Wrap any leftovers you have tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Bourbon Pecan and Chocolate Slab Bars cut and laying on a table.

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