Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

These pecan pie bars are a decadent holiday classic with a healthy twist. Sweet and crunchy pecans with a rich and gooey caramel filling on top of a buttery shortbread crust. Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and refined sugar-free, they are the perfect healthy holiday treat.

I don’t know about you, but pecan pie is just as much of a staple as pumpkin pie around the holidays in my family.

This is a healthy pecan pie bar recipe that is easy to make and is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving this holiday season.

You won’t even believe they are paleo, vegan and grain-free!

Plus, just like my pumpkin pie bars, these delicious vegan pecan pie bars are made into squares, which is more fun anyway.

are Pecan Pie bars Healthy?

Pecan pie is one of my favorite desserts, however, the traditional version is LOADED with sugar.

This healthy version of pecan pie has less sugar, no corn syrup, and still tastes absolutely amazing.

With a rich dairy-free caramel sauce, they taste just like salted caramel pecan pie bars.

I only used coconut sugar and maple syrup to sweeten up this recipe, so there are no refined sugars in this holiday recipe.

Additionally, using an almond and coconut flour crust makes this recipe paleo-friendly and much lower in carbs as well.

This healthy-ish vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free pecan pie recipe still tastes like a traditional pecan pie!

Dreams do come true.

Health Benefits of Pecans

Pecans may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with improving brain function and reducing inflammation.

They are also high in fiber, helping with bowel regularity, stabilizing blood sugars, and helping to keep you feeling fuller longer which may aid in weight loss.

Pecans also contain important minerals including copper, thiamine, and zinc which support nerve and immune function.

Read More Here.

Ingredients Needed for Healthy Pecan Pie Bars

For this vegan pecan pie recipe, you need just a handful of whole-food ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.

Almond flour Shortbread Crust:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Maple syrup
• Coconut oil (or vegan butter)
• Salt

Pecan Pie Filling:

• Maple syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Coconut oil
• Coconut cream
• Vanilla extract
• Sea salt
• Pecans
• Arrowroot flour

How to Make Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe is made in a few easy steps.

Start with preheating the oven to 350 F.

Then, toast the pecans in the oven for 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on the pecans since they burn easily.

paleo shortbread crust:

First, in a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Then, make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour melted coconut oil or vegan butter and maple syrup into the center.

Combine well with a spatula.

Place the dough in a greased pie dish, spread evenly using your hands, and press it down with the palms of your hands.

Bake crust for 12 minutes then let it sit to cool while you make the pecan pie filling.

vegan pecan pie filling:

First, in a small dish, whisk together arrowroot flour and 1 tbsp of water, set aside.

Secondly, in a small to medium pot, combine maple syrup, coconut sugar, coconut oil, coconut cream, and sea salt. Bring all the ingredients to a boil then quickly turn the heat down to simmer.

Cook for about 5 minutes on low to medium heat. Whisk continuously to create a reduction and prevent burning. Then turn off the heat.

Then, mix in vanilla extract and the arrowroot mixture. Wisk until well combined

Next, add the toasted pecans into the caramel sauce. Gently stir until the pecans are evenly coated with the caramel sauce.

Pour the pecan pie filling on top of the crust.

Lastly, bake the pecan pie in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the vegan pecan pie from the oven and let cool for half an hour at room temperature. Then, chill it in the fridge for a few hours or until the filling is set before cutting into pecan pie bars. (Yes this is perfect to make the night before!)

How to Serve Healthy Pecan Squares

If you prefer a warm pecan pie, you can warm it up quickly in the microwave for 20 seconds.

You can serve it ‘a la mode’ by adding a scoop of ice cream on top or just some whipped cream if you’d like!

There are a lot of great non-dairy ice cream and whipped cream options available in stores now if you don’t feel like making your own.

They’re also perfectly delicious as is!

How to Store Healthy Pecan Bars

Place these healthy pecan bars in an air-tight container in the fridge and they will stay good for up to 5 days.

Can You Make Healthy Pecan Pie bars Ahead of Time?

Absolutely!

Because you need to allow time for the pie to chill anyway, this is a good recipe to make ahead of time.

Perfect for all the holiday baking!

Tips for the Best Healthy Pecan Pie

Cover the pie with foil while baking so the pecans don’t burn.

Allow enough time for cooling before cutting the pie. If it’s too warm it won’t hold its shape.

Allow dough to chill for 10 minutes before pressing it into a baking dish.

What’s your favorite way to eat pecan pie bars? Leave a comment below!

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS

You may also like these other Healthy Holiday Desserts:

1. Paleo Pecan Pie Brownie (Gluten Free, Low Carb)

2. Chewy and Soft Gingerbread Cookies (Paleo)

3. Vegan Pumpkin Bread