Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering the same rich flavors you crave without the gluten and refined sugars. Enjoying these bars means indulging in a wholesome treat that fits perfectly into a paleo lifestyle. With a crumbly almond flour crust, gooey pecan filling, and a hint of sweetness from pure maple syrup, these bars will satisfy any sweet tooth. Plus, they’re simple to make, making them an excellent choice for gatherings or a cozy night at home.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 210
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 45 mg
Why Make This Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
These bars are not just delicious; they align with a paleo lifestyle, offering a guilt-free dessert option while still delivering the nostalgic comfort of pecan pie. Their chewy texture and rich taste appeal to all ages, making them perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or a simple afternoon treat. Plus, they are easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to serve a homemade dessert without any last-minute stress.
How to Make Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (divided: 1 tbsp for crust, rest for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make for easy removal later.
Step 2: Mixing the Crust
In a bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir until a soft dough forms. This dough will serve as the base of your bars, giving them that wonderful nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
Step 3: Baking the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the lined pan, making sure to cover the bottom completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t over-bake.
Step 4: Preparing the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, remaining maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut sugar (if using), and sea salt in a separate bowl. This mixture will create a rich, sweet filling.
Step 5: Mixing in the Pecans
Fold in the chopped pecans to coat them evenly in the mixture. The pecans add a satisfying crunch and are packed with healthy fats.
Step 6: Assembling the Bars
Once the crust is done baking, pour the pecan filling over the warm crust and spread it into an even layer. This allows the filling to meld nicely with the crust, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 7: Baking the Bars
Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden. The aroma of pecans and maple syrup will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone around!
Step 8: Cooling and Slicing
Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares. This ensures they hold their shape. You can store them in the fridge to firm them up even more, or freeze them for later enjoyment.
How to Serve Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
These bars are amazing on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent treat. They make a great addition to holiday dessert tables or can be enjoyed simply with a hot cup of coffee.
How to Store Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
- Use Fresh Pecans: The flavor of fresh pecans is unbeatable. Toast them lightly before adding them to enhance their nutty aroma.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your coconut oil is melted, but not hot; this helps maintain the structure of your crust.
- Don’t Overmix: When folding in the pecans, be gentle to keep the filling light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: The center should be set but slightly jiggly; it will firm as it cools.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for a decadent touch.
- Maple Pecan Swirl: Add a swirl of additional maple syrup in the filling for extra sweetness.
- Nut Free Version: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour for a nut-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a different flour?
Almond flour gives this recipe a unique texture, but you can experiment with coconut flour. Note that you’ll need to adjust the quantity, as coconut flour is more absorbent. -
Can I add more flavors?
Absolutely! Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a spiced flavor profile. -
How do I know when the bars are done?
The center should be set, and the edges should be golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. -
What’s the best way to cut bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat edges, especially if they’re sticky. -
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes! They freeze well. Just ensure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
These Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a wholesome alternative to traditional desserts. With a rich, gooey pecan filling atop a nutty crust, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re preparing a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these bars will deliver satisfaction in every bite. Try them today and share the joy of homemade goodness!
Print
Irresistible Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Delightful twist on classic pecan pie, gluten-free and refined sugar-free, perfect for paleo lifestyles.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut oil (melted)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup (divided: 1 tbsp for crust, rest for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar (optional)
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Stir until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the lined pan and bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, and sea salt.
- Fold in the chopped pecans to coat them evenly.
- Pour the pecan filling over the warm crust and spread it into an even layer.
- Bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
These bars can be served with coconut whipped cream or dairy-free ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
