I’m making classic holiday desserts in my own healthy versions. Next up are these Pecan Pie Bars! They are literally the best pecan dessert I’ve ever made??? They’re gluten & dairy free with a vegan option, made with no refined sugar and are such an easy recipe to put together… you are going to love this healthy holiday dessert!
Crust
1/4 cup creamy almond butter
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted and cooled
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 egg (or sub 2 flax eggs for vegan option - 2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp warm water left to sit aside to thicken up into gel-like consistency)
1 cup almond flour
1 tbsp coconut flour
2 tbsp maple syrup
Filling
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 tbsp creamy almond butter
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp ground flaxseed
2 tbsp almond flour
1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
method
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease, then line a 9x5 loaf pan with coconut oil then parchment. In a medium bowl, cream together almond butter, egg (or flax eggs if using), melted & cooled coconut oil, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. In a separate bowl, combine coconut flour, almond flour, and salt. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Dough should be thick & sticky. Press dough into prepared pan.
In a small saucepan, bring maple syrup, coconut sugar, almond butter, coconut oil, and vanilla extract to a simmer. add in ground flaxseed and almond flour to thicken mixture. Keep stirring. turn temperature to medium-low and continue to stir for about 5 minutes until everything is well incorporated and mixture has thickened and is bubbly. Add chopped pecans. Stir for a few more minutes then immediately transfer to the crust. Spread evenly. Bake on 350 degrees for about 25-35 minutes, or until the top and edges have caramelized and are golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing and serving. You are going to love this healthy dessert! It is such a perfect easy recipe and gluten-free recipe for the holidays.
If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional pecan pie bars, this recipe is a game-changer. By swapping out refined sugar for natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar, it provides a lower glycemic impact and delivers a more balanced sweetness that complements the nutty pecans. Using almond butter and almond flour not only makes the bars gluten-free but also adds healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you full longer. Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and promotes good cholesterol levels. The use of flax eggs as a vegan substitute is a clever way to bind ingredients without eggs, making this recipe suitable for vegans and those with dairy or egg allergies. When preparing the crust, be sure to press the dough firmly into your loaf pan to ensure a sturdy base that holds the filling well. The filling’s slow simmer on medium-low heat is essential to get that caramelized, gooey texture typical of pecan pie but without unhealthy additives. Pecans themselves are nutrient-rich, loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to heart health and improved brain function. Including them in desserts offers both texture and nutritional benefits. This recipe delivers not just on flavor but also convenience—as it’s simple to make, perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you want a guilt-free treat. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for several days, making prep ahead of time easy. For those wanting to customize, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon extract to deepen the flavor profile. You might also experiment with chopped walnuts or adding dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist. Ultimately, these healthy pecan pie bars are a fantastic option for anyone seeking indulgent desserts that don’t compromise on health goals or dietary needs. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a festive treat that everyone can appreciate!
See more comments