Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars (vegan and gluten-free)

Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: A Gluten-Free, Vegan Delight

As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But when I do find a spare moment, I crave something decadent, something that feels both indulgent and healthy-ish. That's where these Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars come in. They're vegan, gluten-free, and surprisingly easy to whip up, even on a weeknight. The rich, dark chocolate pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecans, creating a flavor combination that's truly irresistible. And let's be honest, the ease of portioning these into bars makes them perfect for grabbing a quick treat on the go, or packing in lunches.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients—just a few pantry staples and a little bit of love. The crust comes together effortlessly in a food processor, achieving that perfect balance of crumbly and slightly chewy texture. I particularly love using Bob's Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free baking flour; it gives the crust a wonderful consistency, making it indistinguishable from traditional flour-based crusts. The pecan filling is equally straightforward. A quick simmer of maple syrup, coconut sugar, and coconut oil creates the base for a luscious, sweet filling. The addition of a chia egg (a simple mixture of ground chia seeds and water) binds the filling beautifully, resulting in a cohesive and satisfying texture.

I've always enjoyed baking, even from a young age. My grandmother, a true culinary artist, taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients. This recipe reflects that ethos, using simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly delicious treat. It's a recipe that's adaptable to your own tastes and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or even add a pinch of cinnamon or sea salt to enhance the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

These bars are not just a dessert; they're a small moment of self-care, a reward for a long day, or a delicious way to share a treat with loved ones. They are a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious can, and should, coexist. Whether you're a busy professional, a dedicated mom, or simply someone who appreciates a good dessert, these Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, treat yourself. You deserve it.

Serving Suggestions: These bars are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a cup of coffee or tea. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week.

Variations:

• Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan filling for a warm, comforting flavor.
• Sea Salt Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of the bars before baking for a delightful sweet and salty contrast.
• Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in place of pecans.
• White Chocolate Variation: Use white chocolate chips instead of dark chocolate chips for a sweeter, milder flavor.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments if you try it and what variations you create!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Grease 8x8 baking dish with coconut oil or parchment paper
• In food processor, pulse together crust ingredients until a dough forms
• Using your hands, press the dough into the baking dish to form it to the dish
• Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes then let it cool for an hour or so
• Make a chia egg by combining 1 tablespoon ground chia (note ground chia not chia seed) and 3 tablespoons water and mix together, keep in fridge for a bit to form
• In a medium saucepan, boil together maple syrup, coconut sugar and coconut oil
• Let the contents boil for about 30 seconds then simmer for a few minutes
• Remove from heat and let cool for a bit
• Once cool, add in chia egg and mix well
• Mix in chopped pecans and dark chocolate chips then pour onto crust
• Bake again for another 20 minutes at 350 degrees
• Let cool and cut into squares and enjoy!