Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving the rich, nutty sweetness of a classic pecan pie but want a delightful plant-based twist, this Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine a tender, crumbly gluten-free crust paired with a luscious maple-caramel filling generously studded with crunchy pecan halves—each bite delivering that melt-in-your-mouth texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. These bars are simple to make, gluten-free, and utterly irresistible, perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on your own. Let me guide you through this easy recipe that captures all the warmth and comfort of traditional pecan pie in a fuss-free bar form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe plays a vital role, combining to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color. The flours bring a light, crumbly crust foundation, coconut sugar adds a deep caramel note without overpowering sweetness, and coconut oil lends that tender, buttery crumb all vegan style.

• Gluten-free all-purpose flour: The primary structure for a tender, crumble-friendly base that everyone can enjoy.
• Almond flour: Adds moisture and a slight nuttiness to the crust, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Coconut sugar: Used twice—once in the crust and once in the filling—for that rich, brown-sugar substitute with caramel undertones.
• Melted coconut oil (or vegan butter): Provides essential fat to create a perfect crumbly texture reminiscent of a traditional pie crust.
• Vanilla extract: A key flavor booster that rounds out the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
• Sea salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and deepen all the flavors.
• Maple syrup: The heart of the filling, bringing natural sweetness and a glossy, caramelized appearance.
• Full-fat coconut milk: Adds creaminess and richness to the filling while keeping it vegan and dairy-free.
• Cornstarch: The magic thickener that helps your filling set beautifully into that perfect, sliceable bar.
• Ground flaxseed mixed with water (flax egg): The vegan binder that holds everything together just like a traditional egg would.
• Pecan halves: The star ingredient, generously scattered throughout for crunch and that signature nutty flavor.

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the edges. This overhang will make lifting the bars out a breeze once they’re baked and cooled.

Step 2: Mix the Crust

In a medium bowl, combine the gluten-free all-purpose flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, and a pinch of sea salt. Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract and stir everything together until you have a crumbly dough. This balance between dry and wet ensures a tender yet sturdy crust base that won’t crumble apart while serving.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to smooth it out. Pop it into the oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Then, remove and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Make the Flax Egg

Whisk the ground flaxseed with water and let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This flax egg not only acts as a binding agent but also adds an extra dose of fiber and nutrients to these bars.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling Base

Combine the maple syrup, coconut sugar, and full-fat coconut milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers gently. After that, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the syrup to thicken slightly into that sweet caramel consistency we all love.

Step 6: Thicken the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the flax egg until completely smooth. Pour this mixture into the simmering syrup, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt, then continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens to a luscious, glossy caramel texture.

Step 7: Add the Pecans

Remove the pan from heat and fold in the pecan halves, making sure every nut is generously coated with the caramel filling. This step is what makes these bars truly special—each bite bursting with toasty nutty flavor and sweet syrup.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Pour the sticky pecan filling over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling sets and bubbles around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when it looks firm to the touch but still moist.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then pop them in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling helps the filling firm up even more, making it easier to slice and giving you that classic pecan pie bar texture.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab from the pan. Cut into neat squares or rectangles and serve chilled or let them come to room temperature for the ultimate gooey bite.

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few extra toasted pecans on top for an elegant finishing touch. A drizzle of vegan caramel sauce or a dollop of coconut whipped cream makes for stunning presentation and added decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or alongside fresh seasonal fruit like sliced apples or berries. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea complements the nutty sweetness perfectly and makes for a cozy dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving these bars on rustic wooden boards for fall gatherings or arranging them on pretty dessert plates with edible flowers for a special occasion. You can even sandwich two bars with vegan cream cheese frosting to create pecan pie bar sandwiches that will wow family and friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These bars keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their texture and flavor beautifully. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these vegan treats later, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey experience, reheat bars gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. This will revive the silky filling and crispy edges without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! If gluten isn’t a concern, regular all-purpose flour will work just as well and may even produce a slightly more tender crust. Just keep the measurements the same.

Is it essential to use coconut oil, or can I substitute another fat?

Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and firmness to the crust, but vegan butter or plant-based margarine will also create a delicious texture and flavor.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts or pecan-walnut blends also work beautifully in this recipe. Just keep the same quantity and expect a slightly different texture and taste.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The filling should be glossy and slightly firm around the edges when baked. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills, so it’s okay if it looks a bit jiggly initially.

Can I make these bars nut-free?

You can replace the pecans with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch, but the flavor will be different. Also, be cautious with the almond flour in the crust if there are nut allergies.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a classic dessert without any dairy, eggs, or gluten. It’s approachable enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for holiday tables. Once you try these bars, their perfect crispy crust, gooey maple-caramel filling, and that satisfying crunch will have you making them again and again. So go ahead—bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy every joyful bite!

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