Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you’re craving a sweet treat that combines the irresistible crunch of pecans with a luscious, gooey filling, this Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a buttery, golden crust beneath a rich, caramel-like pecan topping—without a single animal product in sight. These bars deliver all the classic flavors of a traditional pecan pie but with a plant-based twist that’s perfect for sharing with everyone, whether you’re vegan or simply love dessert that feels homemade, hearty, and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe starts with a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect taste, texture, and appearance. From the creamy coconut milk that adds richness to the nutty almond flour enhancing the crumbly crust, these components come together to create a harmonious dessert experience.

• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet tender base for the crust while keeping it gluten-free.
• ½ cup almond flour: Adds a subtle nuttiness and helps with texture, making the crust extra rich.
• ¼ cup coconut sugar: A natural sweetener that lends a slight caramel note.
• ½ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter): Gives the crust a moist, buttery feel without dairy.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and depth to the dough.
• Pinch of sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 cup maple syrup: The main sweetener in the filling, contributing rich sweetness and moisture.
• ½ cup coconut sugar: Adds texture and caramel tones to the filling.
• ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk: Provides creaminess and helps create that luscious pecan filling.
• 2 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the filling for the perfect gooey consistency.
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp water (flax egg): Acts as an egg substitute to bind the filling while adding nutrition.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the filling’s flavor with a sweet floral hint.
• 2 ½ cups pecan halves: The star ingredient giving crunch, flavor, and that classic pecan pie texture.
• Pinch of sea salt: Just a touch to highlight the sweetness and deepen complexity.

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the parchment hangs over the edges. This “handle” is a total game-changer when it comes to lifting your bars out easily and cleanly once 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, then stir everything together until you get a crumbly dough. The mix should hold together slightly when pressed but still feel light and sandy to the touch.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish using your fingers or the back of a spoon. Bake this crust for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. This pre-baking step gives your bars a sturdy base and that irresistible bakery-quality crunch.

Step 4: Prepare the Flax Egg

While the crust bakes, whisk together the ground flaxseed and water to create your flax egg. Set it aside for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken up and gain that perfect egg-like consistency essential for binding the filling ingredients.

Step 5: Make the Filling Syrup

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine maple syrup, coconut sugar, and full-fat coconut milk. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer. Let it simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly while filling your kitchen with those amazing sweet aromas.

Step 6: Thicken and Flavor the Filling

Whisk cornstarch into the flax egg until smooth to create a slurry. Add this mix to your simmering syrup while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Keep cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until your filling reaches a caramel-like thickness, sticky and rich but not too stiff.

Step 7: Add the Pecans

Fold pecan halves into the thickened filling mixture, making sure every nut is beautifully coated with that luscious caramel glaze. This step is where the flavors marry perfectly and you get that signature texture.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the prebaked crust, spreading it out gently with a spatula to cover every corner. Bake the assembled bars for 25 to 30 minutes until the filling sets completely and bubbles slightly around the edges, signaling that sweet perfection is almost ready.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

Once baked, let your pecan pie bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature before moving them to the fridge for at least an hour. This extra chill step helps the filling firm up beautifully and makes the bars easier to cut without crumbling.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares or rectangles to serve. These bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature, making them an all-day crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

Enhance your Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe by topping them with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra touch of indulgence. Toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of sea salt can add delightful textures and flavor contrasts that make each bite even more special.

Side Dishes

Serve these bars alongside a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries to brighten and balance the rich nutty sweetness. A warm cup of spiced chai or coffee is also a perfect match, creating a cozy dessert experience that feels just like home.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging smaller bite-sized bars on a decorative platter with pecan halves scattered artfully around. You can also stack bars with parchment paper in between for easy party serving or package single pieces into cute gift boxes for sharing the love with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Vegan Pecan Pie Bars keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to deepen, and the texture remains delightfully chewy and rich—just be sure to enjoy them before they start to dry out.

Freezing

Want to stash some away for later? Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, keeping their luscious flavor and texture intact.

Reheating

If you prefer your bars warm, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to prevent sogginess and maintain that wonderful fresh-baked quality.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free?

Absolutely! Regular all-purpose flour can be used if you’re not specifically avoiding gluten. This might result in an even more tender crust, but the overall deliciousness remains the same.

What can I substitute for coconut oil?

Vegan butter works wonderfully in this recipe and will give a similar rich flavor and texture to your crust. Avoid using oils with strong flavors as they can overpower the pie’s delicate pecan taste.

How do I make sure the filling sets properly?

The cornstarch combined with the flax egg in the syrup mixture helps thicken the filling. Make sure to cook the filling until it reaches that thick, caramel-like consistency and bake it long enough so it sets in the oven before chilling.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes! Walnuts or a mix of nuts can be swapped in if pecans aren’t your favorite or are hard to find. Keep in mind pecans have a unique buttery sweetness that defines the classic flavor, so the taste will vary slightly.

Is this recipe suitable for nut allergies?

Since almond flour and pecans are key ingredients, this recipe is not suitable for those with nut allergies. However, experimenting with seed flours and sunflower seeds could be an interesting alternative if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly heartwarming about making this Vegan Pecan Pie Bars Recipe and sharing it with loved ones. With its perfect combination of crunchy pecans, sweet, gooey filling, and a flaky crust, it’s a dessert that brings pure joy with every bite. Whether it’s a holiday treat or a special weekend bake, dive in and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors that only homemade vegan pecan pie bars can deliver.

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