We all know pecan pie is one of the most traditional Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts. When I was little it was my absolute favorite. How can you resist those crunchy pecans and that sugar filling. I will say I definitely did not feel the best after I ate it. It may have been the sugar crash that made me feel terrible. So I decided to recreate this recipe to be healthier and vegan friendly so my family and I could enjoy one of the best desserts this holiday season. I am so excited to share these healthy pecan pie bars, and bring this delicious dessert to your table no matter what holiday you celebrate.
These vegan pecan Pie bars starts with the same cookie base as my peanut butter twix bars. I love this softer base compared to a crumbly pastry crust. Not to mention it is extremely easy to make. The sugar cookie crust may actually be my favorite part of the whole bar. I did make the cookie crust pretty thick but feel free to just use half the sugar cookie dough. You can just freeze the remaining dough after and bake at a later time. Next up is the delicious pie filling with plenty of pecans. I used lakanto monk fruit sweetener as the sugar to lower the sugar content somewhat. Coconut sugar would also make for a great substitute. Then I combined a little butter, coconut oil, and coconut cream. The combination of all these fats allows it to still taste like the classic pecan pie, but also lightens it up a little. After everything is added together it becomes a sweet caramel like filling. To finish off these pecan pie bars is a caramel drizzle. I made this caramel topping a little healthier with a mix of coconut cream and oil. Maple syrup is what sweetens the caramel, but a secret ingredient is what really makes this caramel stand out. The not so secret ingredient is cookie butter. After the caramel sits and melds together for a bit, it gets nice and thick to make a wonderful drizzle to top the bars. The caramel drizzle is just the perfect finishing touch.
Even if you are not vegan these healthy pecan pie bars will make a delicious dessert for this time of year. If pecan pie is as popular in your house as it is mine, I have no doubt that you will love this recipe. The cookie crust with that pecan filling just cant be beat! Especially when you add that extra caramel sauce on top. Happy baking and be sure to let me know what you think!!!
Preaheat the oven to 350 degrees and line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper
In a large bowl add the flaxseed with 3 tbsp water, stir and let set for 3-5 minutes until gelled
Add the rest of the cookie crust ingredients into the bowl and mix until well combined. (may need to use your hands)
Press the dough into the bottom of the baking sheet. Only use half the dough if you want a thinner crust and save the rest for a later time.
Bake for about 18-20 minutes until the crust is set. Then let the crust come to room temperature. Cook for about 12-15 minutes if only using half the cookie dough
Combine the sugar, maple, butter, oil, vanilla, and cream in a medium sauce pan.
Cook on medium high heat for about five minutes until the mixture comes to a low bowl. Make sure you stir the mixture constantly so the sugar does not burn.
Once the mixture comes to a low boil leave it on the heat for another minute still stirring
Take it off the heat and stir in the milk and chopped pecans
Poor the mixture evenly over the crust and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt.
Place in the oven at 350 and bake for about 17 minutes. The filling should be a little bubbly
Let cool for an hour and the place in the fridge to cool for another 2 hours. (you want to make sure to let it set before cutting)
For the caramel add all the ingredients into a bowl or mason jar and stir until evenly combined
Drizzle over the top of the cooled bars
Notes
It is best to make the caramel the day before to allow it to thicken upIf you want a thinner crust then only use half the cookie batter and freeze the rest for baking later
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Y’all, if you have not tried these Pecan Pie bars, you are missing out!! I first tried them on Thanksgiving and they were a hit!! Can’t wait to make them again for the holidays!
Discussion
December 9, 2021
Y’all, if you have not tried these Pecan Pie bars, you are missing out!! I first tried them on Thanksgiving and they were a hit!! Can’t wait to make them again for the holidays!