Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the essence of traditional pecan pie but in a healthier, more accessible form, you’re in for a real treat with these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars! This recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecans with a delightful almond flour crust. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, these bars are perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without any guilt.
The best part? You can whip them up with just six simple ingredients! These bars are not only gluten-free but also grain-free and dairy-free. They make for an easy dessert to share or even enjoy solo after a long day. Trust me; once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe is so special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these bars baking in no time!
- Family-Friendly: The delicious flavors appeal to everyone, making them a hit at any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep them in advance and store them in the fridge for a week—perfect for snacks or desserts on busy days!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Made with natural sweeteners and no strange additives, you can feel good about what’s going into your body.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of almond flour, coconut sugar, and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible taste that you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars use simple and wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you need to create this delicious dessert!
For the Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
For the Filling
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature—very important!)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)
Variations
One of the great things about these bars is their flexibility! You can easily customize them to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some fun ideas:
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: Add some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra layer of sweetness.
- Add Dried Fruits: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile.
- Nut Alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re looking for something different.
How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and helps develop that lovely golden crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
In a large bowl, combine all shortbread crust ingredients: almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. Once mixed, transfer the dough into your lined baking pan. Press it down evenly across the base. Bake this crust for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden brown around the edges. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for your delicious filling!
Step 3: Make the Filling
While your crust bakes, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl until everything is smoothly combined. Then gently fold in the chopped pecans. This filling is what makes these bars so decadent yet healthy—each bite is packed with flavor!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once your crust has baked to perfection, carefully pour the pecan pie filling over it. Spread it out evenly. Return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes until set. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this point will leave everyone eager to dig in!
Step 5: Cool and Slice
After baking, remove your bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then transfer them to the fridge to chill for about an hour. When they’re ready, cut them into squares! They can be enjoyed right away or stored in the fridge for up to one week—if they last that long!
Enjoy these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as a delightful treat that’s sure to please everyone!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
These tips will help you achieve perfect pecan pie bars that are sure to impress your friends and family!
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Use room temperature eggs – Starting with room temperature eggs ensures they mix more evenly into the filling, resulting in a smoother texture.
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Press crust firmly – When creating the crust, press it down firmly and evenly to avoid any crumbling once baked. It helps create a sturdy base that can hold the filling without falling apart.
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Chill before cutting – Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge for at least an hour after baking not only enhances their flavor but also makes them easier to cut into neat squares without losing their shape.
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Add a pinch of salt – A small pinch of salt in your filling can help balance the sweetness from the maple syrup and coconut sugar, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your bars.
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Experiment with nuts – While pecans are traditional, feel free to mix in or substitute other nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor variety!
How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
These delightful bars aren’t just delicious; they can also be presented beautifully for any occasion. Here are some fun ideas on how to serve them!
Garnishes
- Powdered coconut sugar – A light dusting of powdered coconut sugar adds a touch of sweetness and an elegant look to your bars.
- Fresh berries – Adding a handful of fresh berries on top not only provides a pop of color but also brings a refreshing tartness that complements the richness of the pecan filling.
Side Dishes
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Coconut whipped cream – This dairy-free whipped topping is light and fluffy, making it a perfect companion for your pecan pie bars. Just whip some chilled coconut cream with a little sweetener until soft peaks form.
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Fruit salad – A simple fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and acidity, balancing the sweetness of the bars beautifully.
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Herbal tea or coffee – Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of herbal tea or coffee creates a cozy experience, making them perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack.
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Yogurt parfaits – Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a wholesome side that complements the pecan pie bars’ rich flavors while adding some crunch!
With these tips and serving suggestions, your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars will shine at any gathering. Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! Not only do they taste delightful, but they also store well, making them an ideal sweet treat to have on hand throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- For best texture, keep parchment paper between layers if stacking.
Freezing
- Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy access.
- Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- To reheat, simply remove a bar from the fridge or freezer and let it thaw at room temperature.
- If you prefer warm bars, pop one in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about these delicious bars!
Can I make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Let it sit until it thickens!
How do I know when my Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are done baking?
The filling should be set but slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven. It will firm up as they cool.
What can I use instead of almond flour for Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars?
You can try using sunflower seed flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just ensure it’s a blend that doesn’t include any ingredients you want to avoid.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as much as I do! They bring together the comforting flavors of classic pecan pie in a healthier format that’s easy to share (or keep all to yourself!). Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these treats are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!
Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars! These bars offer a healthier twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a rich almond flour crust and a scrumptious filling packed with crunchy pecans. With just six simple ingredients, these bars are not only gluten-free but also grain-free and dairy-free, making them perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to family gatherings. They require minimal prep time and can be made ahead, stored conveniently in your fridge, and enjoyed as a guilt-free snack or dessert. Each bite is a burst of flavor that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (plus extra for greasing)
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and optional vanilla extract until combined. Press into a lined baking pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
- In another bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, optional vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before chilling in the fridge for an hour. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
