Decadent maple syrup and sweet dates combine to make a smooth and creamy filling for these Paleo Pecan Pie Bars. Add some nutty chopped pecans, and a delicious almond flour shortbread crust - it's a match made in heaven!
Since creating my Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Cookies, I’ve received such awesome feedback from my readers on the recipe. (You all are amazing! I'm so happy all of you loved them!) I finally decided to modify the recipe to turn it into pecan pie bars. So that's what I finally did.
These vegan pecan pie bars are super, super decadent. The dates and the maple syrup make the perfect heavenly filling that mimics a traditional pecan pie.
The healthy pecan pie filling sits on top of a delicious shortbread base. I definitely will use this shortbread base for other gluten-free bar recipes in the future. It turned out exceptionally well.
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
These vegan pecan pie bars are super, super decadent. The dates and the maple syrup make the perfect heavenly filling that mimics a traditional gluten-free pecan pie (but is so much healthier!). If I didn't know any better, I would never know these bars are completely egg-free, let alone grain-free and refined sugar-free.
Low-carb bars never tasted better!
How to make gluten-free pecan pie bars:
Prebake the vegan shortbread crust
- Preheat your oven to 350° (F). Place the dough in a lightly greased and parchment lined 9x9” baking dish. Use your hands or a spatula to press the dough out evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 17 minutes, the crust should just be starting to turn golden around the edges.
- Allow the crust to set/cool for at least 10-15 minutes (or longer) before topping with the gluten-free pecan pie filling.
Make the filling
- Soak the dates in hot water; this softens them and makes them easier to blend.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and sea salt. Stir until the coconut oil is just melted and then remove from heat.
- Drain and discard the hot water from the dates, and place them in a blenders with the saucepan contents. Blend until smooth, pour back into the saucepan (so you don’t have to dirty another bowl), and then stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble and bake the Paleo pecan pie bars
- Spoon the filling onto the prepared vegan shortbread base and use a spatula to spread out the filling evenly.
- Bake for 16 minutes, or just until the filling feels like it has set.
- Cool completely before enjoying.
Other gluten-free bar recipes I know you’ll love:
Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Bars from Beaming Baker
Gluten-Free Monster Cookie Bars from Barefeet in the Kitchen
And of course, while I love these vegan pecan pie bars, my gluten-free pecan pie is just as delicious, and also corn syrup-free!
I hope you enjoy this gf pecan pie bar recipe just as much as my family does!
xo,
Mēgan
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars Recipe:
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Decadent maple syrup and sweet dates combine to make a smooth and creamy filling for these Paleo Pecan Pie Bars. Add some nutty chopped pecans, and a delicious shortbread crust – it’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients
For the shortbread base:
- 2 ¼ cups blanched almond flour
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 5 tablespoons coconut oil, just melted
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the filling:
- ½ cup chopped dates (packed into the measuring cup)
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 6 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons almond milk
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
To make the shortbread base:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees (F). Lightly grease a 9x9” square baking pan and then line with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the blanched almond flour, sea salt, and baking soda.
- Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, almond milk, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Place the dough in the baking pan and use your hands or a small spatula to press the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan.
- Bake for 17 minutes. The crust should just be starting to turn golden brown around the edges. Allow the crust to set/cool for at least 10-15 minutes (or longer) before topping with the filling.
To make the filling:
- Cover the chopped dates in 1 cup of hot water and set aside for at least 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup, coconut oil, almond milk, and sea salt. Stir until the coconut oil is just melted and then remove from heat.
- Drain and discard the hot water from the dates, and place the dates in a blender with the saucepan contents. Blend until smooth, pour back into the saucepan (so you don’t have to dirty another bowl), and then stir in the chopped pecans.
To assemble & bake:
- Immediately spoon the filling onto the prepared shortbread base and use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the filling out evenly.
- Bake for 16 minutes or until the filling feels like it has set. Cool completely before removing the bars from the pan and enjoying.
Recommended Products
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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Blue Diamond Almonds Almond Flour, Gluten Free, Blanched, Finely Sifted, 1 Lb -
Nature's Eats Pecan Halves, 16 Ounce -
5 Pounds Of Dates Pitted (5lb) -
USA Pan Bakeware Square Cake Pan, 9 inch, Nonstick & Quick Release Coating, Made in the USA from Aluminized Steel -
Reynolds Kitchens Non-Stick Parchment Paper - 60 Square Feet -
Coombs Family Farms Organic Maple Syrup, Grade A Amber Color, Rich Taste, 16 Fl Oz
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Carrie Veatch says
I love pecan bars! I am adding these to my list to make. Not sure if I'll be able to make before Thanksgiving, but thanks for sharing this recipe!
Megan says
Absolutely! Thank you, Carrie! Happy Thanksgiving!
Jean K udyba says
Looks wonderful! You had me at dates and pecans because I am crazy for anything with those two ingredients. Any suggestions on pan sizes if the unusual sized 9X9 is not in my stash of cookware? Do I go for an 8X8 and get thicker bars or for a larger pan and have thinner ones?
Megan says
That is a great question, Jean! I think I would be more apt to try an 8x8" pan.
When you prebake the crust, you might need to add another minute or two to the bake time. Try baking for the 17 minutes as suggested. If the outside edges of the crust are golden brown, great. If not, add another minute or two.
As for the filling, same thing, it might need another minute or two for the filling to set. Take your finger and gently press on the middle of the filling. If it seems like it's set, that's when you'll know it's done.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Jean K udyba says
Thank you. Going to make them now~
Jen says
These will make a perfect addition to my dessert table on Thanksgiving! They look fantastic!
Megan says
They definitely will! Thanks, Jen! Happy Thanksgiving!
Kristen Chidsey says
I saw these on your Facebook feed and flipped out. I knew I had to try them--pinning and will be making soon.
Megan says
Awe, awesome! Thanks, Kristen! 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
Dee says
These look so good, and they wouldn't last very long here at all!
Megan says
Here either! Thanks Dee. 🙂
t says
nothing beats shortbread and pecans!!
Megan says
I totally agree! Thanks!
Amanda says
Pecan pie bars are such an easy alternative to a big pie!
Megan says
Yes! And these are so quick and easy! Thanks Amanda!
carrie @ frugal foodie mama says
These bars look perfect! And I love that they are healthier for you. 🙂
Megan says
Thanks, Carrie! Me too!
Krista says
Bring on the bars! I love any bar!
Megan says
Me too, Krista! Thanks!
Angela says
I just made these....they are pure magic!!
Megan says
🙂 That's awesome, Angela! I'm so happy you love them! Happy (belated) Thanksgiving!
Marilyn says
Any suggestions on a replacement for the almond flour in the crust? My husband can’t have almonds, but he can do the pecans. Typically I would use coconut flour but it’s denser. I’m excited to try these over the Christmas season.
Megan says
You could try this gluten-free pie crust recipe, but I'd suggest prebaking it first, before adding the pecan filling.
Meg says
Do you mean 2 cups pecans, chopped,or 2 cups chopped pecans? It makes a difference in measuring, and I have 2 cups whole pecans here. When I chop them, it will be less than 2 cups. Is it enough?
Megan says
I mean 2 cups chopped pecans, so chop, and then measure your 2 cups.
sophia says
Have you tried this with all date sugar rather than maple?
Megan says
Hi Sophia, I have not. Maple syrup provides a liquid, so if you remove a liquid, the recipe won't turn out right.
Beverly Blatz says
Oh yum! These were so very good. Loved by my niece who eats grain free and loved by those of us that don't have food related health issues.
Megan says
Thrilled that you all enjoyed them, Beverly! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know your thoughts!
Sherri Donohue says
I have tried other pecan pie bar recipes and your is the best!! Bar none (hah punny).
Seriously this is the best recipe when it comes to crust, ease of making and taste. Not too sweet and sweet enough. Now my go-to recipe for pecan bars.
Megan says
Such a high compliment! Thank you, Sherri! Very happy to hear you enjoyed them! 🙂
Yvonne says
What is blanched almond flour
Megan says
Blanched almond flour is made from almonds that have the skins removed. They are then ground to a fine flour.
Becky says
MEgan!!! You already ROCKED!!! But now that You are making more paleo recipes available, You are The BEST food blogger site out there!!! Virtual HUGS and prayers coming Your way for You & Yours!!
Megan says
You are so sweet! Thank you so much for the encouragement! ((hugs)) xo
Brett says
I just made these and they were awesome! While I am not a baker, I keep trying new things and they turn out darn good! Thanks for the recipe.
Megan says
That's awesome - and you're so welcome! Thanks for coming back here and leaving me a note that you tried them!
Jennifer says
I would love to make these ahead of time, since we are traveling for Thanksgiving. Do you know if it would be better to freeze them fully baked, or make them and freeze before the final step, then thaw and bake the day of serving? Thank you!
Megan says
Hi Jennifer,
I think if I were to try to freeze these I'd do it after they were fully baked and cooled.
Megan says
Hi! Looking forward to making these tomorrow! Should i look for medjool dates or can i use dried dates? Thank you so much!
Megan says
Hi Megan (great name!), I used just regular pitted dates, not medjool. 😉 BUT, medjool would also work if that's what you have!
Deborah says
I use medjool every time! These bars are AMAZING! I am making them for the 4th time right now. I’ve also replaced the maple syrup with honey when making them for my daughter’s family. Turned out delicious, but I prefer the maple syrup.?
Megan says
I'm so happy you enjoy them!
Brooke says
These look delicious! My go-to pecan pie is date-sweetened and I love it, so I can't wait to try these! Just a note; while the dates definitely make this a healthier, and even lower-glycemic option, neither dates nor maple syrup are considered low-carb sweeteners. Though unrefined, they are both very high in natural sugars. I personally am totally fine with that, but I can see how someone could get confused by the low-carb label on this recipe.
Thanks again for the recipe, I'm excited to give it a go!
Mēgan says
You're welcome, Brooke! Thanks!
Roxanne says
This recipe sounds amazing. However, I am allergy to coconut. What would you suggest using as a substitute for the coconut oil?
Mēgan says
Hi Roxanne,
You can also use butter, vegan butter, or ghee. 🙂
Laurie says
I ADORE your pecan pie cookies but they're a little more work than these. Trying these this year. Does the coconut oil/butter for the filling need to be in a liquid state? I assume so since we're adding to dry ingredients?
Mēgan says
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for asking - I'm looking at my directions and see they aren't quite clear, are they? You can melt the coconut oil for the shortbread base.
Donna says
Made these for Thanksgiving this year. Wow...Amazing! For me I will cut the maple syrup in half.
Mēgan says
Thank you, Donna - I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Tricia says
These are delicious! I need to double this recipe for a large group, so do I just double all the ingredients or do I need to adjust some of the measurements for a 9x13 pan?
Mēgan says
Hi Tricia,
I would double the ingredients, though you might have to adjust your baking times to accommodate for the larger batch. I haven't tried this myself, so I'm not sure what the exact times would be.
Kate says
These are amazing! So delicious, my whole family loved them. Thank you for sharing your recipes!
Mēgan says
Hi Kate, You're so welcome! Thank you so much for coming back here and letting me know your thoughts. 🙂
Jenny says
I have no clue what I did wrong but mine didn't turn out 😭
I didn't have much maple syrup left so I did sub for honey...but I didn't think it would be a big deal 😭😭
Mēgan says
Hi Jenny, no - honey would not cause the recipe to not work out. Sorry you had trouble!
Darren says
Nutrition Facts estimate for Pecan Pie Bars
2”x2.5” bar = 75g = 2.65 oz
Calories 523
Total Fat 46.1g, Sat. Fat 4.6g, Cholesterol 0mg, Sodium 76.1mg
Total Carbs 25.6g, Fiber 4.6g, Sugar 19.5g
Protein 5.9g
I used unsweetened coconut milk beverage. Also, I would probably still cut the bars smaller, maybe half?