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Guilt-Free Pecan Pie Shortbread Bars


  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Stir until the mixture forms a crumbly dough, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Filling

  1. 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.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
  3. Let the mixture cool for 2 minutes, then whisk in the beaten egg (or flax egg for a vegan option).
  4. Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

  1. Pour the pecan filling over the baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly.
  2. Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbling around the edges.
  3. 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