Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of traditional pecan pie without all the fuss, you’ve come to the right place! These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are a family favorite in my home. They combine the rich, nutty flavors of pecans with a buttery almond flour crust, making them not only delicious but also much easier to prepare than a classic pie.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re quick to whip up and can be made ahead of time, so you can spend more moments enjoying life with your loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just six main ingredients, these bars come together quickly and simply.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone in the family will love the sweet and crunchy texture of pecans paired with a soft crust.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep; these bars store well in the fridge for up to a week!
• Deliciously Healthy: Naturally sweetened and gluten-free, they make a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a look at some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create these scrumptious bars. You might already have most of them in your pantry!

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 Pecan 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)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your taste preferences.

• Add spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile beautifully.
• Nut alternatives: Try using walnuts or hazelnuts if you want to switch things up!
• Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness by using less maple syrup or adding more coconut sugar based on your preference.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple chocolate drizzle on top can take these bars to another level of deliciousness!

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. This step is crucial as it ensures your crust bakes evenly and becomes perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, combine all shortbread crust ingredients. Mix until everything is well combined. Once mixed, transfer this mixture into your lined baking pan. Press down firmly into an even layer across the bottom. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden brown around the edges. This creates a solid base for your delicious filling!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling

While your crust is baking, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl. It’s important to whisk thoroughly until smooth because this helps ensure that every bite has that sweet pecan goodness!

Step 4: Combine with Pecans

Once your filling mixture is ready, fold in those lovely chopped pecans. This adds that delightful crunch we all love about pecan pie!

Step 5: Bake Again

After removing the crust from the oven, pour your pecan filling over it. Bake again for 20-25 minutes or until set. Letting it cool for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Once cooled in the pan, transfer the bars to chill in the fridge for about an hour. This makes them easier to slice into perfect squares! Cut into 16 squares and enjoy immediately or store them in the fridge for up to one week.

I hope you enjoy making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as much as I do! They’re sure to become a beloved treat in your home too.

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Making these pecan pie bars is a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother filling that sets beautifully.

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out of the oven. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.

• Chill Before Cutting: Allowing your bars to chill in the fridge for at least an hour makes them easier to cut and helps firm up the filling. This step is crucial for neat slices!

• Try Different Nuts: If you want to experiment, consider using walnuts or pecan halves instead of chopped pecans. Each nut brings its unique flavor and texture to the bars.

• Sweeten to Taste: Depending on your preference for sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup in the filling. Just remember that too much liquid can affect the setting process.

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These delicious bars are versatile and can be served in various ways that enhance their flavors and presentation!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a luscious touch and complements the nuttiness of the bars beautifully.
• Cinnamon Sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the top not only looks lovely but also enhances the sweet, warm flavors of the dessert.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pecan pie bars.
• Vanilla Almond Milk: Serve these bars alongside a glass of chilled vanilla almond milk for a creamy beverage that balances out their sweetness.
• Herbal Tea: Pair your dessert with a warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to create a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying these treats.
• Dark Chocolate Squares: For those who’d like an extra treat, serving with dark chocolate squares adds a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs well with pecans.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars will not only taste fantastic but also look appealing on your table! Enjoy sharing this delightful dessert with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them a convenient treat for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• For best texture, keep parchment paper between layers if stacking them.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled bars into squares before freezing for easy access.
• Place the squares in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy them warm, preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave each square for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones about Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars!

Can I make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg) for a vegan option.

How do I know when my Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are done baking?

The filling should be set but slightly jiggle in the center when you remove them from the oven. They will firm up as they cool.

What is a good substitute for almond flour in this recipe?

You can use sunflower seed flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend that does not contain almond flour if you have nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as I was! They offer all the delightful flavors of classic pecan pie in a healthier format that everyone can enjoy. Whether it’s a snack, dessert, or even breakfast treat, these bars are sure to please. Enjoy making them and sharing them with loved ones—happy baking!