Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

Healthy Pecan Pie Bars: A Guilt-Free Delight

Imagine indulging in the classic flavors of pecan pie without the hefty calorie count! These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars do just that, offering a delightful and guilt-free way to enjoy a beloved dessert. With a nutty, buttery crust and a gooey, caramel-like filling, these bars satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your health in check. Not only are they easy to whip up in less than an hour, but they also make for a fabulous snack or dessert that the whole family will adore.

A little fun fact: Did you know that pecans are not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients? These magical nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. If you love traditional desserts, you’ll definitely want to check out my other recipes for classic treats like our Chocolate Chip Cookies, which also balance taste and health seamlessly. So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make your heart (and taste buds) sing!

What are Healthy Pecan Pie Bars?

So, what exactly are Healthy Pecan Pie Bars? Well, let’s just say they’re a dessert that combines everything we love about fall into one sweet, satisfying package! Think buttery pecans all packed neatly in a snack-friendly bar form—sounds divine, right? The name may suggest indulgence, but fear not my friends, these bars keep that guilty feeling at bay. They embody the classic saying "the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach" by delivering comfort in every bite! So, are you ready for a taste? Let’s jump right in!

Why You’ll Love These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars are more than just a tasty treat. Here are three reasons why you’ll fall head over heels for them:

1. Nutty Goodness: The star ingredient here, pecans, brings a unique crunch alongside their buttery flavor, making each bite simply irresistible. They’re not just delicious; pecans also offer wonderful health benefits, including heart health and improved digestion.

2. Budget-Friendly: Making your own snacks saves you money! Just think of the expenses piled up when you grab a dessert from the store. With this recipe, you’ll create a fantastic dessert without breaking the bank. Plus, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry.

3. Endless Customization: With a little creativity, you can personalize these bars. Whether adding chocolate chips or sprinkling some shredded coconut on top, these bars are your canvas for tasty experimentation! For a similar treat, check out our No-Bake Energy Bites that are also perfect for snacking!

Ready to try these out? Let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking!

How to Make Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

Quick Overview

These tasty bars can be whipped up quickly—trust me, you’ll be enjoying them in no time! With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have these healthy pecan pie bars ready to share in less than an hour.

Key Ingredients for Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

• For the crust:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • Pinch of salt

• For the filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (if you didn’t use it for the crust)
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil.

2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt. Mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.

3. Press the crust: Spoon the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it firmly down and evenly into the bottom. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Prepare the filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans and a pinch of salt.

5. Combine: Once the crust is done, pour the pecan filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly.

6. Bake again: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.

7. Cool & enjoy: Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing into bars. Enjoy your healthy pecan pie bars alone or topped with some whipped cream or coconut yogurt for an extra treat!

What to Serve Healthy Pecan Pie Bars With

These delightful bars pair wonderfully with a variety of complementary treats! Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a beloved classic dessert combination. For a refreshing twist, consider pairing them with fresh fruit, like sliced apples or berries. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel can elevate them even more.

Top Tips for Perfecting Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

1. Ingredient swaps: Don’t have almond flour? You can substitute it with oat flour or whole wheat flour, but the nutty flavor may vary.

2. Egg substitutes: If you want to make these bars vegan, replace each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and let it sit until it thickens.

3. Beware the overbake: Keep an eye on baking time! The filling should be firm but not overly cooked to maintain that chewy texture.

4. Chop pecans uniformly: This ensures every bite has a lovely balance of flavors.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week for optimal freshness. Want to keep them for longer? These bars freeze beautifully! Just place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy later, thaw in the fridge overnight or on the counter for a few hours, and if desired, warm them briefly in the oven for that fresh-baked taste!

So there you have it! A delicious and healthier take on a classic treat that everyone will love. Enjoy your baking adventure, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations with family and friends!

Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

A delightful and guilt-free way to enjoy classic pecan pie flavors, these healthy pecan pie bars feature a nutty crust and a gooey caramel-like filling, perfect for snacks or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Depending on personal preference.
• 1 pinch salt

For the filling

• 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Use this if not used for the crust.
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs For vegan option, replace with flax eggs.
• 1 pinch salt

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or grease it lightly with coconut oil.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt. Mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Spoon the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it firmly down and evenly into the bottom. Bake for about 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
4. While the crust is baking, whisk together the honey (or maple syrup), coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and eggs in another bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans and a pinch of salt.
5. Once the crust is done, pour the pecan filling over the warm crust and spread it evenly.
6. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the filling is set and slightly bubbly.
7. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing into bars.

Notes

These bars can be topped with whipped cream or coconut yogurt. Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in a container for up to 3 months.