Keto No-Bake Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars with Sea Salt
Raw energy bars that capture all the rich, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie with an adult twist. Medjool dates provide natural caramel-like sweetness while bourbon adds depth and warmth. The combination of almonds and pecans creates a satisfying texture, while sea salt enhances every flavor. Perfect for holiday entertaining or when you want an indulgent treat without turning on the oven. These bars set up beautifully in the freezer and keep well for grab-and-go snacking.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Soak pitted dates in bourbon to cover, pressing down firmly, for 15 minutes
- 2
Process almonds and pecans in food processor until nearly fine meal consistency
- 3
Add vanilla extract and sea salt, pulse to distribute
- 4
Turn on processor and add dates one at a time until dough forms, reserving bourbon unless mixture looks dry
- 5
Press dough into parchment-lined 8x8 dish until uniformly flat
- 6
Sprinkle with sea salt and freeze for 15 minutes to set
- 7
Cut into 12 equal squares and store in airtight container
Tips
Use just enough bourbon to cover dates when pressed down firmly - excess can be saved for cocktails or enjoyed straight.
If dough seems too dry when processing, add reserved bourbon gradually until proper consistency is reached.
Remove bars from freezer 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture and easier cutting.
Good to Know
Airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 week or freezer for longer storage
Can be made up to 1 week ahead and stored in refrigerator or frozen
Serve chilled or at room temperature, remove from freezer 15 minutes before serving if frozen
Common Mistakes
Process nuts too finely to avoid turning into nut butter
Add dates gradually to prevent overprocessing the mixture
Press dough firmly to avoid crumbly bars that fall apart
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make these without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the soaking step and add dates directly to the food processor with the other ingredients.
What if my dough won't hold together?
Add more dates one at a time or a small amount of the reserved bourbon until the mixture binds properly.
How long do these bars keep?
Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.