Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of classic pecan pie without the fuss, you’ll love these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars. They are not only easy to whip up but also healthier than traditional versions, making them perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. You can enjoy these bars guilt-free, knowing they’re made with wholesome ingredients and are sure to please everyone!

These bars have quickly become a favorite in our home. They offer that ooey-gooey pecan filling we all adore, nestled atop a crunchy almond flour crust. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or savoring them during a cozy movie night, they will definitely steal the show.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: These bars come together in just 10 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet, nutty flavors in every bite. It’s a great way to get everyone involved in baking!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch on the weekend and store them in the fridge for an easy snack throughout the week.
• Naturally Sweetened Goodness: With maple syrup and coconut sugar, you’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without refined sugars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These healthy gluten-free pecan pie bars use simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You might already have some of these in your pantry!

For the 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Incorporate Spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans with almonds or walnuts if you prefer a different nutty flavor.
• Make it Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan-friendly version.

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal of the bars later and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a large bowl, combine all shortbread crust ingredients until well mixed. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down evenly across the bottom. Bake it for about 10 minutes until lightly golden around the edges—it’s essential to create that delicious base!

Step 3: Whisk Together the Filling

While your crust bakes, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl. This step is crucial as it creates that sweet filling texture we love. Once combined, gently fold in those lovely chopped pecans.

Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

Once your crust is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan pie filling over it evenly. Return it to bake for another 20-25 minutes until set—this is where all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

After baking, let your bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to chill in the fridge for about an hour. Once chilled, slice into squares and enjoy! These can be served immediately or stored in the fridge for up to one week—if they last that long!

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips!

• Use room temperature eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the filling, ensuring a smoother texture and better consistency in your bars.
• Don’t skip the chilling time: Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge helps them firm up, making them easier to cut and enhancing their flavor as all the ingredients meld together.
• Press the crust firmly: Make sure to press the almond flour crust down firmly into the pan. This will help it hold its shape while baking and prevent it from crumbling when you cut into the bars later.
• Experiment with sweeteners: Feel free to adjust the sweetness by using different ratios of coconut sugar and maple syrup according to your taste preferences. Just remember that too much liquid sweetener can alter the texture of your filling.
• Store properly: To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to a week, but they’re so delicious, they might not last that long!

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are not only easy to make but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this delightful dessert!

Garnishes

• Dollop of coconut whipped cream: A light and fluffy topping made from chilled coconut cream adds creaminess that complements the nutty flavors beautifully.
• Drizzle of pure maple syrup: A simple drizzle on top enhances sweetness and gives a lovely finish that highlights the natural flavors of the bars.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like berries, oranges, and apples offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pecan pie bars, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
• Vanilla almond milk: Serve these bars with a glass of creamy vanilla almond milk. The nutty flavor pairs perfectly with pecans and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Cinnamon-spiced chai tea: A warm cup of chai tea flavored with cinnamon will create a cozy atmosphere while balancing out the sweetness of your dessert.

These suggestions will elevate your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars into a deliciously memorable treat perfect for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them, and have a delicious treat ready whenever you want. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Ensure they are completely cooled before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares and layer them between parchment paper in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

• To enjoy slightly warm bars, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can place them in a preheated oven at 300° Fahrenheit for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars:

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

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) to create a vegan version.

How do I ensure my Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars don’t stick to the pan?

Using parchment paper to line your baking pan helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to lift out the bars once they are cool.

What makes these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars healthier than traditional pecan pie?

These bars use almond flour instead of traditional wheat flour, coconut sugar instead of refined sugar, and coconut oil instead of butter, making them gluten-free and lower in refined sugars.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars! They’re not just a delightful dessert; they embody wholesome ingredients that bring comfort without compromising on health. Enjoy sharing these with friends or savoring them solo – whatever suits your mood! Happy baking!