Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Published: October 14, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Simple steps make it accessible for bakers of all levels.
Nutritious Ingredients: Almond flour and coconut sugar offer healthier alternatives to traditional baking ingredients.
Versatile Treat: Perfect for dessert, snacks, or special occasions like holidays and gatherings.
Dairy-Free & Gluten-Free: Suitable for those with dietary restrictions while still being delicious.
Rich Flavor: The combination of crunchy pecans and sweet maple syrup delivers an indulgent taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

9×9-inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and achieving the right thickness for your bars.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easier to remove the bars once cooled.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the filling, ensuring a light texture.

Ingredients

For the Crust

2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup

For the Filling

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
2 eggs (at room temperature (very important!))
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (raw and unsalted)

How to Make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Shortbread Crust

In a large bowl, combine all shortbread crust ingredients: almond flour, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup.
Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan and press it down evenly across the bottom.
Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown around the edges.

Step 3: Make the Filling

While the crust is baking:
* In another bowl, whisk together coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
* Stir in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake Again

After removing the crust from the oven:
* Pour the pecan pie filling over the baked crust.
* Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until filling is set.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Once baked:
* Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
* After cooling, transfer bars to the fridge for about an hour to chill completely.
* Cut into 16 squares. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week!

Enjoy your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars as a delicious snack or dessert!

How to Serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

These Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring them as a snack, here are some delightful suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Fruit

Sliced Apples: The crisp texture of apples complements the chewy pecan bars beautifully.
Berries: Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a pop of color and a tart contrast to the sweetness.

Enjoy with Whipped Coconut Cream

Coconut Whipped Cream: Top your bars with fluffy coconut cream for an indulgent yet dairy-free option.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate enhances the flavor and adds elegance to your dessert.

Serve with Herbal Tea

Mint or Chamomile Tea: These herbal teas provide a soothing balance to the sweetness of the pecan pie bars.

How to Perfect Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Making these Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars perfect takes a few simple steps. Follow these tips for the best results.

Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps create a smoother filling for your bars.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary; ensure yours is at the correct temperature for even baking.
Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allowing the bars to cool thoroughly helps them set properly and makes cutting easier.
Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerating the bars after cooling improves their texture and makes them easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options.

Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing contrast.
Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness offers a delightful balance to the rich pecan flavor.
Carrot Sticks with Hummus: Crunchy carrots dipped in creamy hummus provide a healthy crunch alongside your dessert.
Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy, nutritious pudding complements the texture of the pecan bars nicely.
Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your serving plate.
Roasted Nuts: Serve some lightly salted roasted nuts for added crunch and protein.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong sweeteners or flours can alter the flavor and texture significantly. Stick to almond flour and maple syrup for best results.
Bold Not Measuring Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of ingredients.
Bold Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a tender crust. Mix just until combined for a perfect shortbread texture.
Bold Skipping Cooling Time: Rushing the cooling process can make your bars crumble. Allow them to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Bold Ignoring Egg Temperature: Using cold eggs can affect the filling’s consistency. Always use room temperature eggs for better blending.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container.
They can last in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezing Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Bold Microwave: Heat individual bars in the microwave on low power for about 15-20 seconds.
Bold Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed, ensuring it doesn’t burn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars.

How do I make Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars vegan?

You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or apple sauce as an egg replacer while keeping other ingredients intact.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds can work well too. Just keep the same quantity.

What is the best way to serve Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars?

These bars are delicious served chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed. Top with coconut whipped cream or enjoy them plain!

How long do Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars last?

When stored properly, these bars can last in the fridge for up to one week and freeze well for up to three months.

Final Thoughts

Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars are not only tasty but also versatile! You can customize them by adding chocolate chips or using different nuts depending on your preference. These bars make an excellent dessert or snack that everyone will enjoy—so give them a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card