Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars offer a delightful and guilt-free twist on a classic dessert. These bars are packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a nutritious treat perfect for any occasion. With a deliciously sweet and nutty flavor profile, they satisfy your sweet tooth while being completely vegan. Perfect for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, these bars are sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 16 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 150
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 45mg
Why Make This Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
These Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars are not only delicious but also filled with ingredients that promote health. Dates act as a natural sweetener and provide fiber, while pecans offer healthy fats and protein. By combining oats, almond butter, and maple syrup, you create a satisfying and hearty snack. This recipe is also an excellent way to indulge without the guilt, making it suitable for everyone, including those with dietary restrictions. Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare!
How to Make Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
Creating these delicious bars is a simple process that combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
-
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
-
Step 2: Mixing
In a food processor, blend the dates until they form a sticky paste. This will serve as the natural sweetener for the bars.
-
Step 3: Combining
Add the rolled oats, almond butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt to the date paste. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined and form a uniform mixture.
-
Step 4: Incorporating Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans to the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
-
Step 5: Pressing
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, making sure to spread it out to the corners for uniform thickness.
-
Step 6: Baking
Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!
-
Step 7: Cooling
Allow the bars to cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squares. This helps them hold their shape.
How to Serve Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
These bars are perfect as a standalone snack or dessert. They can be enjoyed plain or drizzled with a little extra maple syrup for added sweetness. Serve them alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
For best results, store your Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them, where they can last up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Expert Tips for Perfect Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
- Make sure your dates are fresh and soft; if they are dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before using.
- Feel free to substitute almond butter with peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to switch up the flavor.
- If you like, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor even further.
- For extra texture, consider adding shredded coconut or chocolate chips to the mixture.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark vegan chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled bars for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap the pecans for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds if you’d like a nut-free variation.
- Add Fruits: Incorporate chopped dried fruits such as cranberries or apricots for different flavor notes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use different nuts? Yes! Feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
- How do I make these gluten-free? Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
- Can I make these bars in advance? Definitely! They store well and are great for meal prep.
- What can I use instead of maple syrup? Agave nectar or brown rice syrup can be used as alternatives for sweetness.
- Are these bars suitable for kids? Absolutely! They are a healthy snack option for kids, providing energy without refined sugars.
Conclusion
Healthy Vegan Pecan Pie Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy a dessert that satisfies both your craving for something sweet and your desire for nutritious ingredients. With a crunchy texture, rich taste, and wholesome goodness, they make an excellent choice for snacks or desserts. So why not whip up a batch and share these delicious bars with your family and friends today? Enjoy the journey of flavors, and most importantly, have fun baking!
