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These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars taste just like classic pecan pie, but are made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They’re, gluten-free, have a vegan option and naturally sweetened for a lighter take on a holiday favourite!
Table of Contents
If you loved my Healthy Pecan Pie Bars when I shared them on the Choosing Chia Instagram, you’re in good company! This recipe quickly became one of my most popular Autumn treats along with my Healthy Pumpkin Mug Cake and Cinnamon Apple Bread. I’ve tested these bars several times to make sure the texture and flavour are absolutely perfect. Think buttery, chewy, and just the right amount of sweet.
These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars are made with almond flour, coconut sugar, and maple syrup. They’re completely gluten-free with a vegan option yet taste every bit as indulgent as traditional pecan pie. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a cozy fall dessert, this recipe will quickly earn a spot on your favourites list.
When To Make This
- For holiday gatherings: These bars make the perfect dessert for a Thanksgiving or Christmas gathering. If you’re heading to a holiday brunch also give this Pecan Pie Baked Oatmeal a try!
- For potlucks and parties: These bars store and travel great, so they’re perfect to bring to any potluck or party.
- Craving a healthier treat: Enjoy the taste of pecan pie with better-for-you ingredients.
- For make-ahead desserts: They store beautifully and freeze well, so you can prepare them days (or weeks) in advance.
Key Ingredients
- Almond Flour: Make sure to use almond flour rather than almond meal, which is more finely ground. Use any leftover almond flour in a batch of Almond Snowball Cookies.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch also sometimes called cornflour is used to add a soft texture to the crust. You can substitute with tapioca flour if needed.
- Coconut Sugar: This add a great caramel-like flavour to the pecan pie bars.
- Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavours in the recipe, balancing the sweetness and adding depth to the taste. Coconut sugar also have a bit more nutrients than cane sugar.
*This is a recipe overview. The full recipe with measurements is below in the recipe card.
How To Make Healthy Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Mix the almond flour, cornstarch and salt together in a bowl.
Step 2: Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract and mix until it forms a dough.
Step 3: press the dough into an 8×8 inch pan.
Step 4: Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes.
Step 5: Melt the butter or coconut oil, coconut sugar salt and vanilla in a small pot.
Step 6: Add the pecans and mix together.
Step 7: Pour the mixture into the pan and spread evenly.
Step 8: Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.
How To Store
Store these Healthy Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter before serving.
Jess’s Tips
- Use finely ground almond flour: This gives a finer crumb to the crust and leftovers work great to use in a batch of Almond Flour Banana Muffins.
- Pre-bake the crust: Don’t skip this step! It keeps the bars from getting soggy once the filling is added.
- Melt the sugar fully: When heating the coconut sugar and oil or butter, make sure the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth, caramel-like texture.
- Keep stirring the filling: The pecan mixture can burn quickly, so stir it constantly while it cooks and cook on low heat.
- Cool completely before slicing: Let the bars set fully before cutting for clean, even squares.
- Top with flaky sea salt: If you love a sweet and salty moment add a little sprinkle of sea salt on top!
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use walnuts instead of pecans if that’s what you have on hand. The flavour will be slightly different but still delicious!
Yes! These bars are great for make-ahead desserts. You can bake them up to two days in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
Try These Healthy Dessert Recipes Next!
If you tried this Healthy Pecan Pie Bars or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, Tiktok and Facebook for even more deliciousness!
Healthy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 15 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Healthy Pecan Pie Bars are gluten-free with a vegan option and made with wholesome ingredients for a lighter twist on the classic pecan pie!
Ingredients
Almond cookie crust
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pecan pie topping
- 1/3 cup butter or coconut oil
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar (can sub brown sugar)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper.
- Mix the almond flour, cornstarch, salt, coconut oil, maple syrup and vanilla extract together in a bowl.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into an 8×8 pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the pecan filling.
- To make the topping, add the coconut oil, coconut sugar, salt and vanilla together in a pot and melt on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a slight boil for 30 seconds, mixing constantly to prevent it from burning.
- Turn off the heat and add the pecans. Mix until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture on top of the almond cookie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake the bars at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes.
- Let cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- Melt the coconut sugar fully for a smooth, caramel-like texture.
- Stir the pecan filling constantly to prevent burning.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing for clean, even edges.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt before serving if you love a sweet and salty combo.
- Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a make-ahead dessert.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 248
- Sugar: 12.5g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 3g
Hi! I’m baking these right now…the coconut sugar never melted & stayed in a blob…not mixing well with the coconut oil…what did I do wrong? I went ahead & put it in the oven but there’s blobs of the coconut sugar instead of a good even coating…please help…what could I do different next time?
Hi Annie, did you try melting the coconut sugar on low heat and melting it at the same time with the coconut oil? Are you using granuated coconut sugar or are you using palm sugar that’s sold in a brick form? The granuated sugar should have no problem melting. You can also try brown sugar if it’s maybe the brand of coconut sugar that is causing the issue.
Hi Jess, I’m trying these out for thanksgiving, I’m a little confused, In your notes you said: Pre-Bake the Crust: Pre-baking the oat and almond flour crust is essential, but in the ingredient list there’s only Almond flour and corn flour listed. Can you let me know so I can make this! I’m so excited to try it.
Hi Soni, sorry that is a typo, it should say oat OR almond flour crust. (If you are substituting the almond flour with oat flour.)
These look sooooo good, would love to make a batch or 2 for thanksgiving dinner. I don’t have corn starch can I sub it for tapioca flour?
Hi Soni, yes you can use tapioca flour! 🙂
hi i have asked before.. and a lot of sites wont comment… but i have read on a few medical references that coconut oil is not good for you… can you agree or disagree or offer an alternative … hope that you will publish this…
They look absolutely gorgeous, Jess! Can’t wait to try them out!
Thanks so much Katerina, hope you love them!
I have been searching for the perfect healthier pecan pie bar for years after falling in love with them in college! These look incredible and I love the ingredient list 🙂
Thanks so much Laurel! Hope you love them! xx
Wow, the crust is perfect. On the must-make list for this weekend!
Thanks Liane! 🙂
I love how simple this recipe looks to make! Crazy about pecan pie, putting these on my halloween baking list 😉 -Mere
Hope you love it Meredith!
Oh my goodness, the thickness of the crust!! That’s why these are my fave!!! Perfection, Jess!!
Thanks so much Britt!