These Paleo Pecan Pie Bars have all the flavors of pecan pie, but made easier and in bar form. A simple shortbread crust, a soft, sweet filling, and packed with pecans. They are the ultimate holiday dessert and are gluten free, dairy free, and naturally sweetened.
Thanksgiving is this week and if you're looking for a dessert that isn't pumpkin then these would be the perfect treat.
Shortbread Crust
They start with my tried and true shortbread crust that I've used for my Paleo Twix, Paleo Raspberry Crumb Bars, and Paleo Apple Pie Crumb Bars. It's so simple and delicious! Just a few ingredients get mixed by hand and pressed into a pan to bake.
Pecan Pie Filling
Then the filling: a sweet mixture of coconut oil, coconut sugar, molasses and salt that's mixed on the stove. Almond milk and vanilla are added for creaminess then eggs are whisked in for structure. That all gets poured over pecan halves and it bakes into an incredibly decadent treat.
As pretty as these looked with pecan halves, they would have cut easier with chopped pecans. So feel free to use that if you want. I still think it would be pretty and much less messy.
These bars got the ultimate test. My neighbor was over doing some work on our house and he tried one and LOVED it! He couldn't believe it was healthy and kept saying how good it was. That means you can make these for everybody, the whole family, and they will be loved! If you are a fan of pecan pie then these are the bars for you! Crunchy pecans, a gooey filling, and a sweet shortbread crust. I cut these into 9 squares, but they are very rich and the filling is thick, so I think you could even cut them into 12 servings.
You will love these paleo pecan pie bars and here are some more pecan recipes to try:
- Paleo Pecan Pie Muffins
- Pecan Pie Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Paleo Pecan Pie Granola
- Pecan Praline Brownies
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Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon salt
Pecan Layer
- 2 cups raw pecan halves
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ⅔ cup coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon molasses
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup almond milk
- 2 eggs room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° and line a 9x9 pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until well combined. Press into bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 16-18 minutes. The edges should be slightly brown. Once removed from the oven, sprinkle pecans on top.
- Reduce heat to 325°
- While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a large saucepan, combine coconut oil, coconut sugar, molasses, and salt. Heat on low, stirring the whole time, until mixture is completely mixed. Do not cook any higher or the mixture won't combine properly.
- Take off heat and add in the vanilla and almond milk. Stir until smooth. Add in the eggs and mix. Pour mixture oven pecans and bake for 30 minutes.
- Let cool and room temperature then cut and serve. Store in the fridge after 24 hours.
Sarah says
Do you think I could swap coconut milk for almond milk?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Sarah- I'm not sure almond would work, most are just mostly water and I'm not sure that would work the same. I hope that helps!
Priscila Macaraeg says
I absolutely loved these pecan pie bars. Just felt a bit concerned when the coconut oil and molasses did not combine well while on the stove, but then it became well combined as I added milk and the eggs. Such a delicious and healthy treat with coffee. I will certainly bake it again. 😉
Jessica DeMay says
Thanks for trying them, Priscila! I'm so glad they turned out for you and that you enjoyed them. I appreciate the feedback 🙂
Tayler says
Would this filling work in a traditional pie shell? I’m looking for a healthier pecan pie filling but want the traditional pie crust ! Thanks!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Taylor- I think it would. I haven't tried it so I can't say for sure, but I think so. Maybe do a test run before next week. Hope you enjoy!
Razi says
Hey Jessica 🙂
I was wondering if it’s possible to replace molasses with something else or omit ??
Thanks 🙂
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Razi- you can leave it out or use maple syrup. Hope you love them!
Dila says
Can I use walnut and almond instead of pecan?
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Dila- that should work. Enjoy!
Lucinda Terry says
Do you have the nutritional information on these? They look amazing! I have used many of your recipes and have never been disappointed.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Lucinda- I don't calculate nutritional info, but you can use a site like My Fitness Pal to calculate that if you need it. Thanks! I'm so glad you like my recipes!
Amy says
Is there something I can use in the filling other than coconut sugar/regular sugar? I can't tolerate either.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Amy- I'm sorry. I can't suggest a good substitution with confidence. Have you tried maple sugar (not syrup)? That may be an option. It's more expensive, but if you can tolerate maple syrup then you should be able to tolerate it.
Megs says
How do you think these would work with one of tthtthe many egg replacers? Looks delicious!!!
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Megs- I really don't know. I would hate for you to waste ingredients. I'm sorry- they're not like traditional baked goods.
Michelle says
These look AMAZING! I was wondering how you think these would work if I added chocolate chips? I know they would no longer be paleo, but they would still be gluten free which is what I am looking for in a recipe for our Christmas party.
Jessica DeMay says
Hi Michelle- yes, I think that would be delicious! I hope they are enjoyed!