Make vegan pecan pie bars that are rich and chewy, because this easy dairy-free recipe is perfect for holidays, parties, and sweet cravings.
Ingredients (Makes 12 bars)
For the crust
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ½ cup vegan butter, melted
- ¼ tsp salt
For the pecan filling
- 1½ cups pecans, chopped
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ⅓ cup plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: First, preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Meanwhile, line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the crust: Next, mix flour, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Then, press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Make the filling: After that, whisk maple syrup, sugar, cornstarch, plant milk, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble: Then, stir in chopped pecans and pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake: Finally, bake for 25–30 minutes, or until set. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- First, toast the pecans lightly for deeper flavor.
- Additionally, let the bars cool fully, because the filling firms as it sets.
- Moreover, line the pan well for easy removal.
- Finally, cut with a sharp knife for clean edges.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
- Chocolate Twist: Additionally, add dairy-free chocolate chips.
- Nut Mix: Furthermore, replace some pecans with walnuts.
- Lower Sugar: Also, reduce sugar slightly and rely on maple syrup.
Health Benefits
- Since pecans provide healthy fats, they support heart health.
- Additionally, maple syrup offers natural sweetness.
- Moreover, these bars are dairy free and egg free.
- Therefore, they are a better plant-based dessert option.
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Per Bar)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sugar: 22 g
Kid-Friendly Version
- First, chop pecans finely for easier chewing.
- Additionally, reduce cinnamon for a mild flavor.
- Moreover, cut into small squares for snacks.
- Finally, serve with fruit or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
