Gluten-Free Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

These Gluten-Free Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars are my go-to Thanksgiving dessert when I want something rich, gooey, and easy to share. They have all the flavor of classic pecan pie — buttery shortbread crust, maple-bourbon filling, and toasted pecans — without the fuss of making a pie crust. If you're hosting this year, this dessert travels well, slices neatly, and always disappears fast.

The splash of bourbon adds a warm, caramel-like depth that complements the toasted pecans beautifully. Don't worry — the alcohol cooks off during baking, leaving just a rich, complex flavor that makes these bars taste extra special.

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok or by subscribing to my newsletter. 

I'm putting a modern twist on classic pecan pie with these pecan squares. These gluten-free bourbon pecan pie bars are made with a simple shortbread crust instead of a pie crust recipe (no rolling out a pie crust required) and a gooey, maple-flavored pecan filling. The pecan squares are quick to put together and easy to serve a crowd for Thanksgiving or any other celebration. I think this recipe might even be better than typical pecan pie! Also, no pie dish is needed for this buttery flavor treat!

If you're looking for more gluten-free Thanksgiving recipes like this twist on a bourbon pecan pie recipe, check out my easy gluten-free sage and onion stuffing and my chai-spice snickerdoodle cookies.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easier than traditional pecan pie — no rolling or pie dish needed
• Naturally gluten-free shortbread crust that's buttery and crumbly
• Rich, bourbon-enhanced filling with warm, caramel notes
• Perfect for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving — easy to make ahead and serve
• Slices cleanly for neat servings at holiday gatherings

Equipment You'll Need

Having the right tools makes these bourbon pecan pie bars even easier to make! Here's what I use:

• 8x8-inch Square Baking Dish - I love this Anthropologie stoneware baking dish for even baking
• Parchment Paper - Makes cleanup a breeze and helps lift the bars out cleanly
• Glass Mixing Bowls - These Oxo stainless steel mixing bowls are perfect for prep
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer - Makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless (or use a hand mixer)
• Food Processor - Optional but helpful for making the shortbread crust
• Whisk - For combining the filling ingredients smoothly

You can shop all my favorite baking tools here.

How long do pecan pie bars take in the oven?

The entire bourbon pecan pie recipe takes about an hour and a half to make. The baking process takes up most of the time. The prep time for these pecan squares takes under 20 minutes. The shortbread bakes for 20 minutes first, and then the filling and shortbread bake together in the oven for 40-50 minutes. The pecans will be caramelized around the edges and the top layer of the bars will be dark golden brown like typical pecan pie.

How to Make Gluten-Free Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

Talk about a sticky, gooey, and delicious bourbon pecan bars! It's just like a gluten-free pecan pie, but in bar form so it's easier to cut and serve to a crowd. Plus, who doesn't like switching recipes up?! And, these irresistible pecan pie bars are gluten-free, so they're safe for everyone to eat at your holiday table. Top them with flaky sea salt for an extra gourmet touch!

Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Flakey Salt

Talk about a sticky, gooey, and delicious bourbon pecan bars! It's just like a gluten-free pecan pie, but in bar form so it's easier to cut and serve to a crowd. Plus, who doesn't like switching recipes up?! And, these irresistible pecan pie bars are gluten-free, so they're safe for everyone to eat at your holiday table. 

Ingredient Notes

• Light Corn Syrup: I prefer to use light corn syrup, although most recipes for pecan pie filling call for dark corn syrup. Dark corn syrup works, too, but I think the flavor is better with light corn syrup.
• Eggs: three large eggs at room temperature are best. You may use an egg replacer instead of eggs to make vegan bourbon pecan pie bars instead.
• Butter: use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. Vegan butter is a good substitute for vegan bourbon pecan pie bars. Do not use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Pecans: use whole pecans of pecan halves and pecan pieces. I like the look of whole pecans in this pecan pie bar recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: vanilla extract gives an extra oomph to this recipe. You may also use almond extract.
• Brown Sugar: brown sugar is used instead of granulated white sugar in this recipe. Coconut sugar or regular sugar are good substitutes for brown sugar. Coconut sugar is derived from coconuts.
• Bourbon: you may omit the bourbon in this recipe, but it adds rich flavor to the gluten-free bars. Make sure the bourbon brand you choose is gluten-free. For an alcohol-free version, simply omit the bourbon and add 1 extra teaspoon of vanilla extract instead.
• Gluten-Free Flour: Used for gluten-free shortbread. I recommend using a blend with xanthan gum like King Arthur's Measure-for-Measure Gluten-Free Flour or Cup4Cup Gluten-Free Flour Blend. Both of these blends are a 1-to-1 baking flour that acts almost the same as regular all-purpose flour. I also use King Arthur in my Gluten-Free M&M Cookies.
• Powdered Sugar gives the shortbread a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

How to Make the Crust

Combine dry ingredients in a food processor and pulse to combine. Press the gluten-free crust mixture into the bottom of the baking dish evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Let cool. 

How to Make the Filling

Cream eggs, sugar, and butter together using an electric mixer. Add the bourbon and corn syrup. Fold the pecan halves into the syrup mixture, careful not to break them.

Pour the pecan mixture over the prepared pie crust and bake.

Let the baked pecan pie bars cool completely before cutting. The bourbon pecan filling needs to be completely cool for it to set. Don't cut the bars while they're still warm or the bourbon pecan filling will be liquidy.

Serving Suggestions

Let's talk about bourbon pecan pie toppings! These gluten-free pecan pie bars are fabulous on their own, but here are my favorite ways to serve them:

• Salted caramel sauce — drizzle on top for extra decadence
• Vanilla ice cream — the classic pairing that never disappoints
• Freshly whipped cream — light and airy to balance the richness
• Chocolate ice cream — for chocolate lovers

Make It a Thanksgiving Dessert Spread:
Serve these bourbon pecan bars alongside other fall favorites like pumpkin pie, apple crisp, and my Chai Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies. For more holiday inspiration, check out my Easy Gluten-Free Sage and Onion Stuffing to complete your Thanksgiving menu.

Pro Tip for Cutting Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Use a warm knife to cut your pecan bars. Run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then slice through the bars. Clean and rewarm the knife between cuts for the cleanest slices.

Storage

Store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. Leftover pecan pie bars don't do well in the freezer so I don't recommend freezing them.

FAQ

Gluten-Free Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

Gluten-free bourbon pecan pie bars are a tasty fall dessert that serves a crowd! The bars are easy to put together, require no pie dish, and are easier than typical pecan pie.

4.50 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 0

Equipment

• 8x8-inch square baking dish
• Precut parchment paper
• Glass mixing bowls

Ingredients

  

Shortbread

• 1 cup gluten-free flour I use King Arthur's Gluten Free Flour
• 1 cup almond flour
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Filling

• 3 eggs
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon bourbon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups of pecans

Instructions

 

Shortbread

• Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 8x8 square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
• Combine softened butter, almond flour, gluten-free flour, and powdered sugar in a large bowl using your hands or a food processor. Work the mixture for about 5 minutes.
• Press the shortbread into the bottom of the baking dish evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. Let cool.

Filling

• Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the eggs and mix until combined.
• Add corn syrup and bourbon. Whisk to combine.
• Fold in the pecans into the syrup mixture.
• Pour the liquid mixture over the shortbread and bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use a warm knife to cut your pecan bars for the cleanest slices.
Keyword: gluten free bourbon pecan pie bars, bourbon pecan pie, gluten free pecan pie bars, gluten free thanksgiving desserts, easy gluten free dessert recipes

Keyword bourbon pecan pie, gluten free bourbon pecan pie, gluten free bourbon pecan pie bars, gluten free pecan pie, gluten free pecan pie bars

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and love! You can shop all my favorite gluten-free baking tools and ingredients here.

Use code KATE15 at Ella's Flats for 15% off!