Indulge in the irresistible flavors of pecan pie, reimagined in a convenient and delicious vegan pecan pie bar form. These bars boast a buttery, flaky crust and a gooey, nutty filling that will satisfy your sweet cravings while staying true to your plant-based lifestyle.
Gather Your Ingredients for Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
For the crust, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ice water
For the pecan pie filling:
- 1 ½ cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¾ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Let’s Get Baking: Making Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
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Preheat and prepare. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
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Make the crust. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed vegan butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Drizzle in the maple syrup and ice water, and mix until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.
Vegan pecan pie bar dough being mixed in a bowl -
Press and par-bake the crust. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom. Prick the crust all over with a fork. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Par-baked vegan pecan pie bar crust in a baking pan -
Prepare the pecan pie filling. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, melted vegan butter, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the toasted pecans until they are well coated.
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Assemble and bake. Pour the pecan pie filling evenly over the par-baked crust.
Pouring pecan pie filling over the par-baked crust -
Bake to perfection. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges.
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Cool and slice. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Sliced Vegan Pecan Pie Bars on a cooling rack
Par-baked vegan pecan pie bar crust in a baking pan
Pouring pecan pie filling over the par-baked crust
Sliced Expert Tips for the Best Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
“For an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle a few whole pecans on top of the filling before baking,” advises renowned vegan chef, Emily Carter. “Remember, toasting the pecans beforehand is crucial for unlocking their rich, nutty flavor.”
Vegan Pecan Pie Bar FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or a combination of your favorites.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.
How should I store my vegan pecan pie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully! Cut them into squares, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Can I use agave nectar instead of maple syrup?
Yes, agave nectar can be used as a 1:1 substitute for maple syrup in both the crust and the filling.
Enjoy Your Vegan Pecan Pie Bars
These vegan pecan pie bars offer the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. They’re a delightful treat for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, packing them for a picnic, or serving them as a dessert at your next gathering. For more vegan treats like these bars, check out our recipes for vegan candy and chocolate and a simple vegan oat granola bar recipe.
