Name: Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour; 1/4 cup melted coconut oil; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar); 1/4 cup melted coconut oil (for filling); 1/4 cup maple syrup (for filling); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, for filling); 2 eggs (at room temperature); 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)

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Pecan pie is a beloved dessert that many people enjoy during the holidays and special occasions. However, if you follow a gluten-free diet or simply want a healthier twist on a classic, Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are a fantastic option. These bars deliver all the delightful flavors of traditional pecan pie while being easy to make and deliciously satisfying. Made with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup, these bars are not only gluten-free but also a treat you won’t feel guilty about indulging in.

In this article, we’ll explore why making these pecan pie bars is a great choice, guide you through the recipe, and share tips on how to serve, store, and customize them. Let’s dive into a world of sweet, nutty goodness!

Why Make This Recipe

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are a great recipe to try for many reasons. First, they are simple to prepare and require very few ingredients. This means you can whip them up quickly without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you want a dessert for a family gathering, a potluck, or a special treat for yourself, these bars fit the bill perfectly.

Second, using almond flour gives these bars a wonderful texture while keeping them free from gluten. Almond flour is not only gluten-free but packed with nutrients like vitamin E and healthy fats. Plus, the natural sweetness from coconut sugar and maple syrup means you can satisfy your sweet tooth without refined sugars.

Lastly, these pecan pie bars are versatile. You can enjoy them as dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast treat. With so many benefits, making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars is an easy decision!

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Let’s get into the details of making these delightful bars. The process is straightforward, and soon you’ll be enjoying your homemade goodness!

Ingredients

To make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars, gather the following ingredients:

2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
1/4 cup melted coconut oil (for the filling)
1/4 cup maple syrup (for the filling)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional, but recommended, for the filling)
2 eggs (at room temperature; very important!)
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars once they are baked.
Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, add the almond flour, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (if using). Mix these ingredients together until well combined. The dough should be moist and crumbly.
Press the Crust into the Pan: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to press the crust down into an even layer across the bottom of the pan.
Bake the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to be lightly golden brown around the edges.
Prepare the Filling: While your crust is baking, you can make the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (if using), and 2 eggs. Make sure to whisk until everything is well combined.
Add Pecans: Once the filling is mixed, stir in 1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans.
Combine Crust and Filling: After the crust has finished baking, take it out of the oven. Carefully pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the warm crust. It’s important that the crust is warm to help it absorb the filling.
Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set and not jiggly in the center.
Cool Down: Once the bars are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial for the bars to firm up.
Chill and Cut: After the pan has cooled to room temperature, transfer the bars to the refrigerator to chill for about an hour. Once chilled, carefully remove the bars from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut them into 16 squares.
Serve or Store: You can serve the bars immediately, or if you want to save some for later, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Serving these bars is easy! You can enjoy them plain, but they also pair well with various toppings. Here are some suggestions:

Whipped Cream: Lightly whipped cream can be dolloped on top for added sweetness and a creamy texture.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the nutty flavors of the bars perfectly.
Drizzle of Chocolate: Melt some dark chocolate and drizzle it on top of the bars for a gourmet touch.
Caramel Sauce: A little drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the sweetness and add a delightful flavor.

Feel free to be creative with your serving options!

How to Store Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

To keep your pecan pie bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Line the container with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These bars will stay good in the fridge for up to one week. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy one, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Tips to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Here are a few tips to ensure your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfectly:

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature is important. It helps the filling mix more thoroughly, which leads to a smoother texture.
Chop Pecans Evenly: Make sure to chop the pecans evenly, so they distribute well throughout the filling and provide an enjoyable crunch in every bite.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Once you add the eggs to the other filling ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the filling while it bakes. It should be set but not dry. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Variation

If you’re looking for variations to this recipe, consider these ideas:

Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, mix in some mini chocolate chips with the pecans.
Try Different Nuts: You can substitute pecans with walnuts or a mix of nuts for a different flavor profile.
Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.

These options can help you enjoy the bars differently each time you make them!

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars nut-free?

Yes, if you need a nut-free version, you can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour. Just make sure to adjust baking time as needed.

2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?

Absolutely! Honey can be used in place of maple syrup, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor slightly.

3. How should I serve leftovers?

Leftover bars can be served chilled or at room temperature. Just remove them from the fridge about 15 minutes before eating for the best texture.

With these steps, tips, and answers to your questions, you are ready to make and enjoy Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars. They are a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, no matter their dietary preferences!

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Why Make This Recipe