Irresistible Vegan & Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Your Healthier Holiday Dessert Solution

Discover the ultimate plant-based dessert with these vegan and gluten-free pecan pie bars. Featuring a wholesome almond flour crust, naturally sweetened with Medjool dates, and generously packed with crunchy pecans, they offer the perfect, healthier alternative to traditional pecan pie.

Last Thanksgiving, my family enjoyed an impressive spread of desserts, including no less than three types of pies: classic pumpkin, sweet apple, and, of course, pecan. I took it upon myself to revolutionize the pecan pie experience, choosing Thanksgiving as the ideal occasion to introduce my family to these incredible Vegan Pecan Pie Bars. It’s always a great strategy to test new recipes on a crowd; you get honest feedback and fewer leftovers to manage!

The reception was overwhelmingly positive – a resounding thumbs-up from everyone! Since then, I’ve meticulously refined this recipe, ensuring it’s absolutely perfect for you to recreate at home without any guesswork. These Pecan Pie Bars are designed to be a sweet, nutty, and satisfying treat, prepared with just seven simple ingredients and ready in under an hour. They truly bridge the gap between a traditional pie and a convenient bar, offering the best of both worlds in a layered masterpiece.

Each bar is a symphony of three distinct, delicious layers. It begins with a tender, buttery-tasting crust crafted from almond flour. This foundation is then topped with a rich, decadent filling made from dates and a neutral nut butter, providing a natural sweetness and creamy texture. Finally, a generous scattering of whole, crunchy pecan halves crowns each bar, adding that quintessential pecan flavor and satisfying bite. The best part? These bars are entirely vegan, gluten-free, and sweetened exclusively with nutrient-rich Medjool dates, making them a fantastic option for various dietary needs and preferences.

Crafting the Perfect Almond Flour Crust: Ingredients & Why They Work

Creating the base for these vegan pecan pie bars is surprisingly simple, requiring just three key ingredients. Each plays a vital role in achieving a perfectly crumbly yet firm, grain-free crust that holds up beautifully.

Here’s what you need for this simple, yet exquisite crust:

• Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour: This is the star of our gluten-free crust. Made from finely ground blanched almonds, it provides a light, fluffy, and moist texture. Unlike coarser almond meal, super-fine almond flour lends a delicate structure that is essential for a pie crust. It’s also naturally low in carbs and rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a nutritious alternative to traditional wheat flour.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil acts as the primary binder in this crust, bringing all the ingredients together. It imparts a subtle richness and helps the crust crisp up during baking. For a truly neutral flavor, ensure your coconut oil is refined. If you don’t mind a slight coconut hint, virgin coconut oil works just as well.
• Medjool Dates: These soft, caramel-like dates are not just for sweetness; they are crucial for binding the crust ingredients without needing any added liquid sweeteners or binders. Their natural stickiness helps create a dough that’s easy to press into the pan, and their rich flavor complements the pecans beautifully. Always opt for soft, gooey Medjool dates – the fresher and softer they are, the better they will blend and contribute to the crust’s texture.

That’s it! With these minimal ingredients, you’re on your way to a delightful, grain-free foundation for your pecan pie bars. I consistently reach for Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour for all my vegan and gluten-free baking needs. Its exceptional quality makes it perfect for everything from cookies and muffins to sturdy yet delicate pie crusts like this one.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Grain-Free Pie Crust

Preparing this grain-free almond flour crust is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly golden and fragrant base:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan (or a similar size) with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides. This overhang will serve as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of bars out of the pan once they’re cooled and ready to slice. Set the prepared pan aside.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor or a high-speed blender, add the almond flour, melted coconut oil, and pitted Medjool dates. Pulse the mixture until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It’s important to stop and scrape down the sides of the food processor bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. You’re looking for a mixture that transforms from individual ingredients into a cohesive, sticky dough.
3. Check Consistency: The dough should be sticky enough to hold together when you press it between your fingers. If it seems too dry, you can add another small, soft date or a tiny bit more melted coconut oil (start with half a teaspoon) and pulse again. If it’s too wet, a tablespoon of extra almond flour can help.
4. Press into Pan: Transfer the sticky dough into your parchment-lined baking pan. Using your fingers, the back of a spoon, or a flat-bottomed glass, press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Aim for a compact, uniform layer.
5. Pre-bake the Crust: Carefully transfer the pan with the pressed crust to your preheated oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes. This pre-baking step is crucial as it helps set the crust, prevents it from becoming soggy once the filling is added, and develops a delightful, lightly toasted flavor. While the crust is baking, you can begin preparing the rich pecan pie filling.

Unveiling the Decadent Pecan Pie Filling: Essential Ingredients

The heart of these vegan pecan pie bars lies in their incredibly rich, naturally sweet, and delightfully creamy filling. It mimics the classic pecan pie texture and flavor without any refined sugars or dairy. Just like the crust, the filling relies on a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work synergistically.

Here’s what you need to create this luscious, plant-based pecan pie filling:

• Dates: Again, Medjool dates are our primary sweetener and binder. For the filling, they contribute their deep, caramel-like sweetness and create a wonderfully thick, gooey texture that is essential for a truly authentic pecan pie experience. Ensure they are soft and pitted for easy blending.
• Neutral Nut or Seed Butter: This ingredient adds richness, healthy fats, and helps achieve that creamy, smooth consistency. A “neutral” butter, like sunflower seed butter (SunButter), almond butter, or cashew butter, is preferred so its flavor doesn’t overpower the pecans. If you’re sensitive to nuts, sunflower seed butter is an excellent, allergy-friendly option. Pecan butter can also be used for an even more intense pecan flavor!
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: Used to thin out the date and nut butter mixture, unsweetened almond milk helps achieve a pourable, creamy consistency for the filling without adding extra sugar. Any plant-based milk would work, but almond milk has a mild flavor that blends seamlessly.
• Arrowroot Powder: This natural starch acts as a thickener, giving the pecan pie filling its signature viscous, slightly gelatinous texture once baked and cooled. It’s a fantastic gluten-free alternative to cornstarch and helps ensure the filling sets up beautifully.
• Whole Pecan Halves: The namesake ingredient! Pecans provide a distinct nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. Dividing them ensures that some are incorporated into the creamy filling for texture, while others are reserved for a beautiful, crunchy topping.

That’s all it takes! These carefully selected ingredients come together to form a filling that is both indulgent and wholesome, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Effortlessly Creating the Luscious Pecan Pie Filling

With your crust baking away, it’s time to prepare the star of the show – the rich and gooey pecan pie filling. The process is quick and simple, utilizing the same equipment you used for the crust to minimize cleanup.

1. Prepare Your Blender/Food Processor: First, give the food processor or high-speed blender you used for the crust a quick rinse. You want to remove any residual almond flour mixture before adding the filling ingredients.
2. Blend the Base Ingredients: Into the clean food processor or blender, add the pitted Medjool dates, your chosen neutral nut or seed butter, unsweetened almond milk, and arrowroot powder. Begin blending the mixture. It will take a few minutes for the dates to fully break down and for the mixture to become smooth and creamy.
3. Achieve Creamy Consistency: As you blend, stop occasionally and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and that you achieve a consistently thick and creamy texture. The goal is a velvety, caramel-like paste that will form the gooey core of your pecan pie bars.
4. Incorporate Pecans: Once the base filling is smooth, add half of your whole pecan halves (about 1 cup) directly into the blender. Instead of blending them further, simply stir them into the creamy mixture with your spatula. This coats the pecans in the rich date caramel, ensuring every bite of the filling has a wonderful pecan presence and adds a delightful textural contrast.

And just like that, your decadent pecan pie filling is almost complete! It’s ready for assembly.

Baking and Setting Your Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Now for the exciting part – assembling and baking these delightful pecan pie bars! This stage brings all the flavors and textures together to create a truly irresistible dessert.

1. Prepare for Filling: Once your almond flour crust has finished its initial bake (after 8-10 minutes), carefully remove the pan from the oven. The crust should be lightly golden and firm to the touch.
2. Add the Filling Layer: Pour or spoon the pecan-coated date mixture directly onto the warm crust layer. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread the filling into an even, smooth layer, ensuring it covers the entire crust from edge to edge. Take care not to disturb the pre-baked crust underneath.
3. Top with More Pecans: Next, generously sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of whole pecan halves evenly over the top of the filling. These will create a beautiful, crunchy topping and provide extra texture and flavor in every bite. Feel free to adjust the amount of pecans to your liking – use a little more for an extra nutty crunch, or slightly less if you prefer. Gently press them into the filling with your hands to ensure they adhere well and don’t fall off after baking.
4. Final Bake: Carefully place the pan back into the oven. Bake the bars for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the pecans on top are nicely browned and toasted, and the pecan pie filling appears mostly solid and set when gently jiggled. The edges might look slightly firmer than the center, which is perfectly normal.
5. Crucial Cooling Step: This is arguably the most important step! Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool *completely* at room temperature. Do not rush this process. Attempting to slice the bars while they are still warm will result in a crumbly, messy outcome, as the filling needs time to fully set and firm up. For a quicker cool-down, especially if you’re eager to serve, you can transfer the pan to the refrigerator or even the freezer for 20-30 minutes once they’ve stopped steaming.

Patience during the cooling phase will be rewarded with perfectly structured, easy-to-slice pecan pie bars that hold their shape beautifully. Trust the process for the best results!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Pecan Pie Bars

Once your Vegan Pecan Pie Bars have cooled completely and are perfectly set, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! These bars are truly an “easy as pie” plant-based dessert, offering all the comforting flavors of traditional pecan pie with a wholesome, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened twist. You’ll absolutely adore that they’re completely vegan, gluten-free, and derive all their sweetness from dates, making them a fantastic option for virtually any guest.

Serving Suggestions:

• As a Standalone Treat: These bars are incredibly satisfying on their own, perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner indulgence.
• With a Warm Beverage: Pair them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a comforting mug of hot chocolate, or a creamy warm almond milk latte for an extra cozy experience.
• Elevate Your Dessert: For a more decadent presentation, serve them chilled or slightly warmed with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream, a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra date caramel sauce.
• Holiday Gatherings: Their bar format makes them ideal for potlucks, parties, and holiday tables, as they are easy to transport, serve, and enjoy without needing plates and forks for everyone.

The versatility of these pecan pie bars allows them to be served chilled for a firmer, more fudge-like texture, or gently reheated in the microwave for a warm, gooey center that’s reminiscent of fresh-from-the-oven pie. Just be sure to not overheat them, as the dates can become very soft.

Storage Tips:

To maintain their freshness and delightful texture, store your Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The cool temperature helps keep the filling firm and prevents spoilage.

For longer-term storage, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to two to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. A quick zap in the microwave can also help them achieve a soft, warm consistency after thawing.

These pecan pie bars are truly a labor of love that simplifies healthy indulgence. Cheers to delicious, wholesome desserts!

More Delectable Vegan Pie Bar Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these Pecan Pie Bars, you’ll be thrilled to know there are many more plant-based, easy-to-make bar recipes waiting to be discovered. These are perfect for expanding your repertoire of healthy, crowd-pleasing desserts for any occasion, from casual weeknight treats to special holiday celebrations.

• Zesty Avocado Key Lime Pie Bars with Granola Crust

  Experience a refreshing twist with these vibrant Key Lime Pie Bars. Made with creamy avocado for a smooth texture and a wholesome granola crust, they are a tangy and sweet delight, perfect for summer or whenever you crave a bright, citrusy treat. Like the pecan bars, they are naturally sweetened and dairy-free.

• Creamy Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars

  For the ultimate fall indulgence, these Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two classic desserts. A rich, spiced pumpkin layer sits atop a smooth, dairy-free “cheesecake” filling, all on a delicious crust. They capture the essence of autumn in a convenient bar format, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or a comforting evening treat.

Each of these recipes offers a unique flavor profile while adhering to similar wholesome, plant-based principles. They prove that you don’t need dairy, gluten, or refined sugars to create desserts that are incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with these delightful alternatives!

I Want to Hear From You! Share Your Creations!

Your feedback and culinary adventures truly inspire me! If you decide to make this incredibly delicious Pecan Pie Bars recipe, please don’t hesitate to share your experience. I love hearing from you and seeing your wonderful creations.

Be sure to leave me a comment below, along with a rating and review, so I can use your valuable feedback to continue crafting even more delicious and wholesome recipes. Your insights help me understand what you love and how I can keep improving.

Additionally, I’d be absolutely thrilled if you gave me a shout-out on Instagram! Tag #floraandvino in your posts to show off your beautiful Pecan Pie Bars – I can’t wait to see them!

For more plant-based inspiration and to save recipes for later, definitely check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find a treasure trove of delicious ideas just like this one.

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XO Lauren

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