Description
The most amazing vegan and gluten-free pecan pie bars featuring the best shortbread crust and decadent caramel pecan filling. No corn syrup needed!
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Base
- 2 ⅓ cups almond flour (230 g)
- ½ cup tapioca flour (80 g)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup (65 g)
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (70 g)
For the Pecan Caramel Filling
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch + 3 tablespoons water
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (70 g)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (85 g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (80 g)
- 3 tablespoons almond butter (45 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt, optional
- 1 heaping cup roughly chopped pecans (200 g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 365 F and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper so it sticks out over the edges of the pan on at least two sides (this will help you lift the bars from the pan after baking).
- Add all the ingredients for the shortbread base to a bowl and mix until you get a soft dough.
- Place the dough in the prepared pan and press down firmly with your hands until you have an even layer. Poke approximately 15-20 evenly spaced out little holes in the crust using a fork.
- Bake the crust for 13-15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside. While the crust is baking, begin preparing the pecan filling.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water into a paste and set aside.
- Add all of the filling ingredients except for the pecans to a small pot on the stovetop and cook over low to medium heat until thick, smooth and fully combined.
- Add the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few more seconds, stirring until fully incorporated and starting to thicken.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the pecans until they’re fully coated.
- Pour the mixture over the crust and and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Let cool at room temperature until you can safely place in the fridge. Cool in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.
Notes
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If storing longer than 2 days, they’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or wrapped and stored in airtight container for up to 3 months. Be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 388
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g