Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something magical about desserts that feel indulgent without sacrificing your health goals. Enter my Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars—your new go-to treat that satisfies those sweet cravings while being gluten-free and dairy-free! With just six simple ingredients and a single bowl, these bars can be whipped up in no time, making them perfect for busy weekdays or holiday celebrations. The nutty richness of pecans pairs beautifully with a buttery almond flour crust, resulting in a delightful combination that’s chewy, soft, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these bars promise to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to discover how quick and easy this healthy dessert can be? Let’s dive in! Why Are These Pecan Pie Bars Special? Healthier Twist: Enjoy all the flavors of a classic pecan pie, reimagined into gluten-free and dairy-free bars that everyone can indulge in. Quick & Easy: With just 6 simple ingredients and a single bowl, you can whip these up with minimal fuss, perfect for even the busiest of days. Versatile Delight: Feel free to get creative—add shredded coconut or try different nuts for unique flavor profiles. For more delicious variations, check out these Crisp Cheesecake Bars or Zucchini Onion Pie. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: These bars aren’t just for you; they are sure to impress family and friends at gatherings, providing a guilt-free dessert option everyone will love! Texture Perfection: Expect a treat that’s chewy, soft, and slightly crunchy from the pecans, offering a satisfying bite in every square. Pecan Pie Bars Ingredients • Discover the simplicity of flavor! For the Crust Almond Flour – This is the base of the shortbread crust, offering a rich, buttery flavor while keeping the bars gluten-free and grain-free. Coconut Oil – Provides moisture and healthy fats in both the crust and filling; you can substitute with melted butter if preferred. Maple Syrup – A natural sweetener that enhances the flavor profile of the pecans, and can be replaced with honey if needed. For the Filling Coconut Sugar – Adds a caramel-like sweetness to the filling and can be exchanged with brown sugar. Eggs – Essential for binding the filling to achieve the classic pecan pie texture; for vegan options, use a flax egg (2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsp water). Pecans – The star ingredient, bringing crunch and the signature pecan flavor; raw and unsalted are recommended for optimal taste. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a 9″x9″ baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang on the sides for easy removal later. This will ensure your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are easy to slice and serve. Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well until it achieves a smooth, cohesive texture. This will form the deliciously buttery crust that holds the sweet filling. Step 3: Press the Crust into the Pan Transfer the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to press it firmly and evenly across the bottom, creating a solid base. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown at the edges, signaling that it’s ready for the filling. Step 4: Prepare the Filling While the crust bakes, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and eggs in a separate bowl until fully combined. Ensure the mixture is smooth with no lumps, as this will create a creamy filling. Add the chopped pecans and gently fold them into the mixture, making sure they’re well distributed. Step 5: Assemble and Bake Again Once the crust is ready, carefully pour the pecan filling over it, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden. Step 6: Cool and Slice Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the Pecan Pie Bars cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes to firm up. After cooling, transfer them to the refrigerator for about an hour. This chilling period helps maintain the structure, making it easier to slice into 16 perfect squares. Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Once chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice them into squares. Serve your delightful Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as a snack or dessert. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings anytime. What to Serve with Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Elevate your dessert experience with thoughtful pairings that complement the rich, nutty flavors of these delightful bars. Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy dairy-free ice cream adds velvety contrast and indulgent sweetness. The chill of the ice cream beautifully balances the warmth of the bars. Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, coconut whipped cream enhances the pecan flavor with a touch of tropical sweetness. It’s a luxurious topping that feels indulgent yet aligns with your healthy choices. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing, juicy element, cutting through the richness of the bars. Choose berries or citrus fruits for an extra zesty kick. Hot Coffee: Rich, robust coffee creates a warm, cozy pairing, enhancing the caramel notes in the pecan filling. The bitterness of the coffee beautifully complements the sweetness of the dessert. Herbal Tea: Opt for a soothing herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint for a comforting accompaniment. The warmth and gentle flavors make this pairing perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat. Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates the bars to gourmet status. The bittersweet chocolate perfectly balances the caramelized sweetness of the pecans. Chocolate-Covered Almonds: For a crunchy texture and added nutty flavor, serve chocolate-covered almonds on the side. This combination creates a delightful snack duo! Expert Tips for Pecan Pie Bars Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best texture in your filling—this promotes even mixing and better binding. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars towards the end of the baking time to prevent the filling from drying out. It should be set but slightly jiggly in the center. Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely in the fridge before slicing to ensure they hold their shape. Warm bars may crumble when cut. Check Crust Color: Watch for a golden brown color around the edges of the crust to know it’s perfectly cooked. A pale crust may not hold the filling well. Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix in other nuts or shredded coconut into the filling for a delightful twist on your Pecan Pie Bars recipe. Make Ahead Options These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for meal prep lovers looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the crust and filling separately and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply make the crust, cool it completely, then refrigerate it wrapped in plastic wrap. For the filling, mix the ingredients and keep them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy your bars, just pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and bake as directed. This ensures they remain just as delicious and fresh-tasting as when first made, allowing you to indulge without any stress! Pecan Pie Bars Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative with these bars and make them your own with delightful substitutions and variations! Dairy-Free: Substitute melted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free treat that maintains rich flavor. Vegan: Replace eggs with a flax egg (2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsp water) for a fully plant-based option. Nut-Free: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep the bars tasty and nut-free. Sweetener Swap: If you need a different sweetness profile, honey can easily replace maple syrup for a yummy twist. For added fun, consider incorporating shredded coconut into the filling for extra texture. Flavor Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to enhance the flavor profile. A little spice goes a long way! If you’re looking for something different, experiment with various nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. The unique crunch can transform your bars into an entirely new treat. For inspiration on other delightful desserts, you might enjoy these Air Fryer Hand Pies or try showcasing seasonal ingredients in a Zucchini Onion Pie. Coconut Crunch: Add up to 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the filling for additional texture and flavor. How to Store and Freeze Pecan Pie Bars Fridge: Store your Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and ready for a delicious snack anytime! Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving. Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bars within a day, you can keep them at room temperature in a covered container, but avoid direct sunlight to maintain freshness. Reheating: If you prefer your bars warm, you can reheat individual squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them fresh out of the microwave for a delightful melty treat! Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars Recipe FAQs How do I select the best pecans for my pie bars? Absolutely! Opt for raw and unsalted pecans for the best flavor in these bars. Look for pecans that are plump, with a rich aroma, and avoid any that have dark spots or a stale smell. Fresh pecans will yield a delightful crunch. What is the best way to store my pecan pie bars? Store your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This will keep them fresh and delicious, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings any time! Can I freeze the pecan pie bars for later use? Yes, indeed! To freeze your bars, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before serving. Why are my pecan pie bars too crumbly? If your bars are crumbling when cut, it may be due to not allowing them to chill properly before slicing. Always remember to let them cool completely in the fridge for about an hour, as this helps them firm up. Make sure your crust is evenly pressed into the pan, and check that the eggs are at room temperature for better binding. Are these pecan pie bars safe for people with nut allergies? Be cautious! While pecans are a key ingredient in this recipe, if you or your guests have nut allergies, consider using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds as an alternative. However, please note that these substitutions will alter the flavor and texture slightly. How can I make these bars vegan? To make your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars vegan, simply replace the eggs with a flax egg. Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. This will bind the filling just as effectively! Delicious Pecan Pie Bars That Are Gluten-Free and Guilt-Free No ratings yet Enjoy these indulgent yet healthy Pecan Pie Bars that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and made with simple ingredients. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 16 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 210 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Almond Flour1/3 cup Coconut Oil melted1/4 cup Maple SyrupFor the Filling1 cup Coconut Sugar2 large Eggs room temperature1 cup Pecans chopped, raw, unsalted Equipment 9"x9" baking panMixing BowlSpatula Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie BarsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9"x9" baking pan with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth.Press the crust mixture into the prepared baking pan evenly. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden brown.In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and eggs until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.Pour the filling over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and lightly golden.Let the bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then chill in the refrigerator for about an hour before slicing.Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment overhang and slice into squares. Serve and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 4gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 80IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
