Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on health, you’ve come to the right place! These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are an absolute treat. They combine the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with a wholesome shortbread crust that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. Whether you’re whipping these up for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or just because you deserve something sweet, these bars will definitely impress!

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. With just six main ingredients, you can create a dessert that feels indulgent while being packed with wholesome goodness. Plus, they’re gluten-free and made without any dairy or refined sugars—perfect for anyone looking to enjoy healthier sweet options!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With only a few steps and no complicated techniques, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves pecan pie! These bars are perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare these bars ahead of time, making them great for meal prep or gatherings.
• Deliciously satisfying: The combination of crunchy pecans and sweet filling creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are simple and wholesome. You probably have many of them in your pantry already! Let’s take a look at what you need to whip up this scrumptious dessert.

For the Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup

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—very important!)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add chocolate chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
• Use different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Make it spiced: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Try different sweeteners: If you prefer another natural sweetener, feel free to use agave syrup or honey (if not strictly avoiding all animal products).

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking throughout the bars. While that’s warming up, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make removing the bars easier later on!

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, combine all your shortbread crust ingredients: almond flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Mix until everything is well combined. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking pan and press it down firmly into an even layer across the bottom. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until it’s lightly golden around the edges.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While your crust is baking, it’s time to whip up that delicious filling! In another bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract (if using), and eggs until nicely blended. Then stir in those chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with this sticky goodness!

Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

Once your crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour that luscious pecan filling right over it. Spread it out gently so every bite gets some of that delicious mixture. Pop it back into the oven for another 20-25 minutes or until the filling sets up nicely.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

After baking, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before diving in. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer those beautiful bars to your fridge to chill for about an hour—this step helps them hold their shape when cutting. Finally, cut them into squares (you’ll get about 16!) and enjoy this delightful treat either right away or stored in the fridge where they’ll last up to a week!

I hope you love making—and sharing—these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as much as I do! They’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your home just like they are in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Making these scrumptious bars is a breeze, but a few insider tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use room temperature eggs – This ensures better mixing and helps create a smooth filling that sets perfectly.
• Don’t skip the parchment paper – Lining your baking pan makes it easy to lift the bars out after cooling, preventing any crumbling or sticking.
• Toast your pecans – While optional, lightly toasting the chopped pecans enhances their flavor and adds an extra crunch to your bars.
• Check for doneness – Keep an eye on the filling during the last few minutes of baking. It should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when you pull it out.
• Let them chill – Allowing the bars to chill in the fridge not only improves their texture but also makes them easier to cut into perfect squares.

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These delicious bars can be enjoyed in various ways, whether you’re serving them at a gathering or just treating yourself at home.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the crunchy pecans beautifully.
• Drizzle of maple syrup – A light drizzle of pure maple syrup enhances the sweetness and brings out that classic pecan pie flavor.
• Chopped fresh mint – A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves not only adds a pop of color but also contributes a refreshing contrast to the rich bars.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits like berries, apples, or citrus balances the richness of the bars and adds a refreshing touch.
• Vanilla yogurt – Creamy vanilla yogurt offers a nice contrast in texture and adds some tanginess that pairs well with the sweet pecan filling.
• Coconut milk ice cream – This dairy-free option is perfect for serving alongside your bars, creating a delightful combination of warm and cold textures.
• Chia seed pudding – A simple chia seed pudding can serve as a nutritious side that complements the dessert’s flavors while boosting its health benefits.

Enjoy crafting these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars and sharing them with friends and family! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep! They can be made in advance and stored for a quick snack or dessert throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them (see below).

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares before freezing for easy portions.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• For a warm treat, microwave each bar for about 10-15 seconds or until warm.

FAQs

Have questions about these delicious treats? Here are some common inquiries!

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

Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). Allow it to sit until it thickens before adding it to your filling.

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

The bars are done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will firm up as they cool.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as much as I do! They’re not only simple to prepare but also bring that comforting taste of pecan pie right into your kitchen. Perfect for sharing or indulging on your own, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!