Description
Indulge guilt-free with these refined sugar-free Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars! A buttery almond flour crust topped with a naturally sweetened, gooey pecan filling makes this the perfect healthier holiday treat. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and easily adaptable for keto and vegan diets.
Ingredients
Scale
For the shortbread crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp coconut flour
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or butter, melted
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the pecan filling:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 egg or flax egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut sugar (or maple syrup) and coconut cream. Stir and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes, then whisk in the beaten egg (or flax egg for a vegan option).
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the pecan filling over the baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbling around the edges.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
- Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute maple syrup with a keto-approved sweetener like monk fruit syrup and use an egg instead of a flax egg.
- Vegan Option: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Drizzle dark chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra indulgent treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: dessert, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pecan pie bars, gluten-free dessert, healthy pecan pie, refined sugar-free, dairy-free treats