Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. Made with almond flour and natural sweeteners, they’re a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract for the crust until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
3. Step 3: While the crust bakes, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl to make the filling. Stir in the chopped pecans until well combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set.
5. Step 5: Remove the bars from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. Then chill in the fridge for about an hour before slicing into 16 squares. Serve immediately or store as directed.

Tips & Variations

• Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling texture.
• For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
• Swap coconut sugar with brown sugar for a more traditional sweetness.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of sea salt on top before baking for added complexity.

Storage

Store the pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. To reheat, warm briefly in the oven or microwave to soften the texture if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut flour instead of almond flour?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour with another gluten-free nut flour like cashew or hazelnut flour, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.

Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

These bars contain eggs, so they are not vegan. You can experiment with flax or chia egg substitutes, but the texture may differ from the original recipe.

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery almond flour crust with a rich, maple-sweetened pecan filling. Perfect for a nutritious dessert or snack, these bars are naturally gluten-free and use coconut sugar and maple syrup as wholesome sweeteners. With a simple baking process and wholesome ingredients, they offer a delicious twist on the classic pecan pie flavor in a convenient bar form.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust Ingredients

• 2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)

Filling Ingredients

• 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)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make and Bake Crust: In a large bowl, combine all the crust ingredients—almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly, then press the mixture evenly into the base of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown around the edges.
3. Prepare Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and room temperature eggs until smooth and well combined. Then fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the filling mixture.
4. Assemble and Bake Filling: Remove the baked crust from the oven and pour the pecan filling mixture over it, spreading evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly when gently shaken.
5. Cool and Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for about 1 hour to firm up.
6. Slice and Serve: After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 even squares and serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Notes

• Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing to help the filling set properly.
• The vanilla extract is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor.
• Make sure to press the crust evenly in the pan for uniform baking.
• Use raw, unsalted pecans for the best flavor and texture.
• These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week; they can also be frozen for longer storage.

Keywords: gluten-free pecan pie bars, healthy pecan bars, maple pecan bars, almond flour crust, gluten-free dessert, healthy pecan dessert