Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are a delicious and wholesome twist on the classic pecan pie. Made with almond flour and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar, these bars offer a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch while being suitable for gluten-free diets. Ideal for dessert or a sweet snack, they combine a buttery shortbread crust with a rich pecan filling baked to perfection.
- 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
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 Pie 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Make the Shortbread Crust: In a large bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients form a cohesive dough. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and room temperature eggs until fully combined. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Remove the crust from the oven once baked, then pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to set properly. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for about one hour to fully firm up the bars.
- Serve: Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into 16 squares, and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the filling mix well and bake evenly.
- You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar if preferred.
- Parchment paper lining makes removal and cleanup much easier.
- These bars are best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars, Healthy Pecan Bars, Almond Flour Dessert, Coconut Sugar Dessert, Maple Syrup Pecan Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert
