Naturally Sweetened Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

The Pecan Pie Dilemma: A Delicious, Healthy Solution!

For many years, pecan pie at our family’s Thanksgiving feast was a delightful idea but a somewhat challenging reality. While I genuinely adore the concept of its rich flavor, traditional recipes often present a tooth-aching sweetness that limited me to just a couple of bites. To my surprise, nobody else in my family was particularly fond of it either, often passing it over entirely. This recurring dilemma spurred me to search for a truly delicious and satisfying pecan-inspired dessert that would please every palate without the usual sugar overload. And, I’ve found it! This **Pecan Pie Bar recipe** is the perfect, ingenious answer: flawlessly sweetened, incredibly delicious, and effortlessly sliced into generous or modest portions. The absolute best part? The whole family, without exception, absolutely adores them!

When your holiday table calls for a Thanksgiving dessert that artfully breaks from tradition while still feeling familiar, these **pecan pie BARS** are your ideal choice. They deliver all the comforting, familiar “pecan pie vibes” but with an unexpected, almost brownie-like chewiness that makes them uniquely appealing and incredibly satisfying. If your guests are also seeking an easy chocolate option for your festive spread, don’t miss these amazing Pomegranate Chocolate Cups – another guaranteed crowd-pleaser that adds a touch of elegance!

Imagine a perfectly crafted, tender vegan pie crust, generously cradling a rich, chewy, caramel-like center, all lavishly topped with fresh, perfectly toasted pecans. I mean, what’s not to love about such a harmonious and decadent combination? Not only is this an absolutely fabulous Thanksgiving Dessert, but these versatile bars are also guaranteed to steal the show at your annual cookie swap and are an absolute must-make regularly, all year round! Their appeal transcends seasons and occasions, proving they are far too good to be reserved for just one holiday.

Looking for even more festive culinary inspiration to elevate your holiday gatherings? Be sure to explore my comprehensive Holiday Recipe Roundup Post for a wealth of delicious ideas and easy recipes designed to make your celebrations truly unforgettable and stress-free.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

These aren’t just any dessert bars; they’re a revelation designed to satisfy your sweet cravings in a wholesome way! Here’s why these **date-sweetened pecan pie bars** will quickly become your absolute favorite go-to recipe:

• Naturally Sweetened, No Corn Syrup: Say a joyful farewell to overly sweet, corn syrup-laden desserts! Our innovative recipe relies solely on the natural goodness of Medjool dates and a hint of pure maple syrup, providing a perfectly balanced, rich sweetness without any processed sugars or artificial sweeteners. This means a healthier indulgence that still delivers on that classic pecan pie flavor.
• Wholesome, Plant-Based Ingredients: You won’t find any processed vegetable oils, butter, margarine, or artificial butter substitutes in these bars. We meticulously choose simple, whole, plant-based ingredients you can truly feel good about serving to your family and friends.
• The Perfect Sweetness Level: Traditional pecan pie can often be cloyingly sweet, making it hard to enjoy more than a few bites. This recipe masterfully strikes the ideal balance, allowing the deep, earthy flavors of pecan and the rich, complex notes of caramel to shine through, perfectly complemented by just the right amount of natural sweetness from dates and maple syrup.
• Effortless Make-Ahead & Freezer Friendly: Hosting a holiday gathering or meal prepping desserts? These bars are an absolute dream! Prepare them entirely in advance, store them conveniently in an airtight container in the fridge, or even freeze them for up to three months. They thaw beautifully and hold up exceptionally well, making holiday planning or spontaneous treats incredibly easy.
• Surprisingly Simple to Make: Don’t be intimidated by the idea of a homemade crust! Both the tender vegan pie crust and the luscious, gooey filling are remarkably straightforward to prepare. This makes for a rewarding and enjoyable baking project suitable for cooks of any skill level, from novice to experienced.
• Irresistible Texture Harmony: Prepare for a delightful sensory experience! These bars offer the best of both worlds with a perfectly gooey, delightfully chewy caramel-like center that contrasts beautifully with the satisfying crunch and subtle saltiness of perfectly toasted pecans. It’s a match made in heaven for your taste buds, providing an engaging texture in every bite!
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Easily adapt this already versatile recipe to accommodate gluten-free diets! Simply use a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust, and you’ll have a delicious, safe, and enjoyable treat for everyone. This is truly the ultimate gluten-free pecan pie dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
• Superior Portability and Serving: Unlike a traditional pecan pie that can be notoriously tricky to slice neatly and serve gracefully, these bars are incredibly easy to cut into uniform, reasonable portions. This makes them perfect for dessert platters, potlucks, or simply leaving plenty of room on your holiday table for other cherished favorites like an apple galette, chewy ginger cookies, and mini pumpkin pies!
• Versatile Baking Options: While primarily designed and optimized as convenient bars, this same delicious recipe can easily be adapted and baked in a traditional round pie plate if you prefer the classic pie form. The flexibility allows you to customize your presentation without altering the core deliciousness.
• Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare for an outpouring of rave reviews! These bars are so universally appealing that you’ll have everyone asking for the recipe, even those who claim not to like pecan pie. Their unique blend of flavors and textures truly wins hearts effortlessly, making them a staple in any dessert rotation.

Essential Ingredients & Clever Substitutions for Your Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Crafting these delectable pecan pie bars is simple and straightforward when you have the right, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some handy substitutions to suit various dietary needs or pantry staples:

• Pecans: These magnificent nuts are, without a doubt, the undeniable stars of the show! Pecans are naturally rich in healthy oils, contributing significantly to the deep flavor and satisfying texture of the bars. For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality pecan halves. If you need a substitute due to allergy or preference, walnuts can be used, although they will impart a slightly more bitter and distinct flavor profile compared to pecans. Toasting them is a non-negotiable step that enhances their nutty depth and aroma significantly.
• Medjool Dates: In the complete absence of corn syrup, Medjool dates are the absolute magic ingredient that performs multiple roles. They provide perfect natural sweetness, impart a luscious caramel-like flavor, and act as the essential binding power that holds the filling together. Dates are also rich in fiber and trace minerals, making this a much healthier treat compared to refined sugar alternatives. Always buy Medjool dates with the pits still in, as they tend to be much softer, plumper, and more moist. Remember to remove the pits just before using them in the recipe!
• Tahini: This creamy ground sesame paste plays a crucial role in the vegan pie crust, providing the necessary healthy fat content to bind the dough without the need for traditional butter or oil. Its subtle, earthy, and nutty flavor also complements the pecans beautifully, adding another layer of complexity. Ensure you use a good quality, creamy tahini for the best texture and taste in your crust.
• Almond Flour: The fine, delicate texture and higher fat content of almond flour are key to creating a tender, slightly flaky, and surprisingly easy “no oil” vegan pie crust. It adds a desirable richness and helps achieve the desired crumbly yet cohesive consistency when combined with all-purpose flour.
• All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational base of our versatile pie crust. For a seamless **gluten-free pecan pie bar** option, a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works exceptionally well and will yield fantastic results. Otherwise, feel free to use regular whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, classic white flour, or even spelt flour – all have been tested and yielded delicious outcomes.
• Almond Milk: Any unsweetened plant-based milk will work perfectly here, providing essential moisture and helping to create the right consistency for both the tender crust and the smooth, creamy filling. Unsweetened soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk are all excellent alternative options that readily align with various dietary needs and preferences.
• Olive Oil: A small touch of olive oil in the filling adds a subtle richness and contributes to its wonderfully smooth texture. If you’re specifically aiming for a completely oil-free recipe, you can easily replace the olive oil with an equal amount of additional almond milk without significantly impacting the final result, though the texture may be slightly less unctuous.
• Maple Syrup: This natural, unrefined sweetener contributes a lovely depth of flavor to both the crust and the filling, significantly enhancing the overall caramel notes. Always choose pure maple syrup for the best, most authentic taste; avoid artificial pancake syrups.
• Salt: A pinch of salt is absolutely crucial in this recipe, acting as a flavor enhancer. It brilliantly balances the sweetness of the dates and maple syrup and elevates all the other ingredients, giving these bars that highly coveted and utterly irresistible “salted caramel pecan pie” vibe – a truly essential addition that I absolutely adore!

Crafting the Flaky Vegan Pie Crust

Begin by preparing your crust. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour (or your chosen gluten-free blend), and ½ teaspoon of salt until they are evenly combined. In a separate Pyrex measuring cup or small bowl, combine the almond milk and maple syrup. Now, pour approximately half of this liquid mixture into your dry ingredients. It’s important to resist the urge to use your whisk again for this step!

Instead, use a sturdy wooden spoon or a spatula to gently incorporate the liquids into the dry ingredients. Gradually add the remaining wet mixture, continuing to mix and pulling any dry flour up from the bottom of the bowl, until a soft, pliable dough forms that you can easily pinch together between two fingers. The crucial point here is not to overmix; stop stirring as soon as the dough visibly comes together to ensure a tender crust.

For effortless handling and transfer, take a piece of unbleached parchment paper, crumple it up, and then flatten it out. This makes it more pliable and easier to work with. Turn your prepared dough onto the parchment, which should be lightly dusted with flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into a large rectangle, ensuring it’s slightly larger than your 9 x 13-inch baking pan. This simple trick of rolling on parchment makes transferring the delicate dough incredibly easy and prevents sticking.

To gracefully move the dough to your baking pan, gently fold the parchment paper with the dough draped over your rolling pin. This technique provides essential support, preventing any tears or breakage. Once carefully positioned directly above the pan, slowly unfold the parchment, allowing the dough to settle perfectly into the center. The pre-crumpled parchment actually aids in creating flexibility, making it remarkably easier to guide and fit the dough precisely into the pan’s contours.

Using your hands, gently press and stretch the dough into all the corners of the pan and approximately ½ inch up the sides. Don’t worry if the dough tears a little during this process; this vegan dough is quite forgiving, and you can easily patch any small holes or tears by pressing pieces from one spot to another. To prevent air bubbles from forming and puffing up during baking, use a fork to randomly poke several small holes (known as docking) into the pie dough across the entire base.

While your pie crust is being prepared and awaits its par-bake, take your raw pecans and evenly spread them out in a single layer onto a heavy-duty baking tray. You’ll toast these essential nuts in the oven simultaneously with the crust. Toasting the pecans is a crucial step that significantly intensifies their rich, nutty flavor, enhances their natural aroma, and adds a delightful crunch that is integral to the final texture of the bars.

Place both the prepared pie crust and the tray of pecans into your preheated 350-degree Fahrenheit (175°C) oven. Bake for precisely 15 minutes. At the end of this time, the crust should appear lightly golden and slightly set. If you happen to notice any air pockets bubbling up or “popping” during baking, don’t fret! Gently push them back down with your fingers or the back of a spoon – they will settle nicely as the crust cools and will be covered by the filling.

Allow the pecans to toast for the full 15 minutes alongside the crust. They should emerge from the oven with a rich, inviting golden-brown color and a wonderfully fragrant, intensified nutty aroma. Immediately remove them from the oven to prevent over-toasting or burning. Carefully set aside 1 cup of these beautifully toasted whole pecan halves to use later for decorating the top of your pecan bars. The remaining toasted pecans should then be roughly chopped – these will be enthusiastically incorporated into the gooey, sweet caramel filling, adding texture and flavor throughout.

Creating the Irresistible Caramel Filling

Begin by meticulously removing the pits from your Medjool dates. Then, transfer all the pitted dates to the bowl of a food processor, ensuring it’s fitted with the “S” blade. Add the tahini, almond milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract. These carefully selected ingredients will soon transform into a velvety smooth, naturally sweet, and incredibly rich caramel base that forms the heart of our pecan pie bars.

Process the mixture thoroughly in the food processor until it forms a perfectly smooth, lusciously thick, and wonderfully caramel-colored paste. You will likely need to stop the food processor once or twice during this stage to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures all ingredients are fully incorporated and that no chunks of dates or tahini remain. Continue processing until you achieve a wonderfully creamy, uniform consistency, akin to a thick, spreadable frosting – this smooth base is key to the filling’s texture.

Now, carefully add the roughly chopped pecans (remembering that you previously reserved 1 cup of whole pecan halves specifically for the topping) to the smooth caramel mixture directly in the food processor bowl. This is where the filling truly begins to take on its signature pecan pie texture and robust nutty flavor, distributing pecan goodness throughout every bite.

Using a silicon spatula or a sturdy spoon, gently stir the chopped pecans into the caramel mixture by hand. Mix just until the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the luscious filling. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture of the pecans. If you’re feeling extra indulgent and want to elevate these to a truly irresistible chocolate pecan pie bar, now is the perfect moment to stir in about ½ cup of your favorite vegan chocolate chips or chunks. This thoughtful addition will undoubtedly take them to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Assembling and Baking Your Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Carefully transfer the rich, pecan-studded caramel mixture onto your partially baked pie dough, which should now be slightly cooled and resting comfortably in its baking pan. Distribute the filling as evenly as possible over the entire surface of the crust, ensuring every part of the crust is covered.

For a beautifully smooth and uniform top that will look professionally baked, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Carefully spread the caramel pecan mixture evenly into all corners and right up to the edges of the pan. This meticulous spreading ensures every single bite is consistent in its deliciousness and presentation.

Now for the truly delightful finishing touches! If you’re a devoted fan of the irresistible “salted caramel” flavor (and I wholeheartedly recommend it!), sprinkle a delicate pinch of flakey sea salt evenly over the top of the filling – a definite “yes, please!” from me! Then, artfully arrange the reserved 1 cup of whole pecan halves on top of the caramel mixture. This thoughtful arrangement not only makes your bars look stunningly professional but also adds an extra layer of delightful crunch and intensified pecan flavor to every slice.

Carefully place the baking pan back into your 350-degree Fahrenheit (175°C) oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is visibly set and lightly golden brown around the edges. Keep in mind that the bars will continue to firm up and set significantly as they cool. Allow them to cool undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes before gently lifting the entire creation, using the parchment paper as a sling, and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling time is essential to ensure the bars set properly and are easy to cut without crumbling.

Once your vegan pecan pie bars have completely reached room temperature, they are ready to be cut into individual, tempting pieces. This generous recipe typically yields about 24 bars, making it absolutely perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying over several days. If you prefer smaller, more delicate, bite-sized portions for a dessert buffet or a cookie swap, you can easily get 30 pieces – just adjust your cuts accordingly! Using a very sharp knife will help achieve the cleanest, most attractive cuts.

For the neatest and most precise cuts, especially if you’re aiming for very small or intricate pieces, you will find it significantly easier to slice the bars when they are thoroughly chilled. For best results, pop them into the refrigerator for at least an hour or two, or even the freezer for about 30 minutes, before attempting to cut them. This chilling process firms up the gooey filling beautifully, allowing for perfectly clean edges and minimal mess every single time.

Storage Tips for Optimal Freshness and Enjoyment

Proper storage is absolutely key to keeping your delicious vegan pecan pie bars fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever a craving strikes. Here’s how to store them for maximum flavor, ideal texture, and extended longevity:

• Cool Completely Before Storing: This is a crucial, non-negotiable step! Always allow your pecan pie bars to cool entirely to room temperature before placing them in any container. Storing them while still warm can create unwanted condensation, which will inevitably lead to soggy bars and a compromised texture.
• Air-tight is Best: To effectively prevent them from drying out, becoming stale, or absorbing any other flavors present in your refrigerator or pantry, always store the cooled bars in a tightly sealed, airtight container.
• Prevent Sticking When Stacking: If you find yourself stacking multiple layers of bars within your container, generously place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer. This simple trick effectively prevents them from sticking together, making it incredibly easy to grab a single bar without damaging the rest of your beautiful creation.
• Impressive Shelf Life: These delightful vegan pecan pie bars boast an impressive shelf life! They will remain wonderfully fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, they will stay perfectly good for up to 2 weeks. For extended enjoyment, they can be securely frozen for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Flexible Serving from Storage: You have options when it comes to serving! You can confidently enjoy these bars straight from the refrigerator or freezer for a firmer, chewier texture that some prefer. Alternatively, allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer, gooier, and more melty experience.

Expert Tips for Your Perfect Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Even though this recipe is meticulously designed to be simple and approachable, these expert pro tips will help ensure your vegan pecan pie bars turn out absolutely perfect, visually stunning, and incredibly delicious every single time you bake them:

• Forgiving Vegan Pie Dough: Don’t let the idea of a homemade crust intimidate you! Our special vegan pie dough is wonderfully easy to work with and incredibly forgiving. If it happens to tear or “spring a leak” while you’re gently pressing it into the pan, simply press it back together seamlessly with your fingers. It’s truly no big deal, and any minor imperfections will be beautifully hidden by the delicious, gooey filling anyway!
• Patience is Key for Optimal Setting: The pecan pie bars will continue to set and firm up significantly as they cool down after baking. When you first remove them from the oven, a slight, gentle jiggle in the very center is perfectly normal and expected, but the edges should feel relatively firm to the touch. It’s crucial to resist the urge to cut them immediately! Allowing them to cool completely will result in the best texture.
• Cool Before Cutting for Impeccably Clean Slices: This tip is absolutely crucial for beautifully presented, neat, and even bars. They will be much, much easier to cut into perfectly clean, uniform pieces once they’ve completely cooled to room temperature. For truly pristine edges, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two before slicing. Cutting them too soon will almost certainly result in a messy, crumbly experience.
• Craving Chocolate? Make it an Indulgent Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar! For an extra layer of unparalleled decadence and a delightful flavor twist, simply stir in about ½ cup of your favorite vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks when you’re mixing in the chopped pecans. The heavenly combination of sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and rich, melted chocolate is truly next-level good – an absolute must-try for all serious chocolate lovers!
• Embrace the Irresistible Salted Caramel Vibe: I’ve listed flakey sea salt as an optional ingredient for sprinkling on top, but if you’re a devoted fan of salted caramel (and honestly, who isn’t?), then this is a non-negotiable step! A delicate sprinkle of sea salt dramatically enhances and balances the sweetness and deepens the complex flavors of the caramel and pecans. Just do it, and you’ll be thanking me later for that incredible flavor pop!
• Gluten-Free Perfection Achieved Easily: This recipe adapts beautifully and seamlessly to gluten-free dietary needs. Simply swap the standard all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend in the crust, and you’ll achieve equally delicious bars that are safe, enjoyable, and satisfying for everyone, including those with gluten sensitivities.
• Portion Control Made Effortless: One of the significant advantages of preparing bars over a traditional round pie is the incredible ease of portioning. You can effortlessly cut them into generous squares for a hearty, satisfying dessert, or opt for smaller, elegant, bite-sized rectangles for a lighter treat, a sophisticated holiday platter, or a diverse dessert buffet.

Equipment

• 9 x 13 baking pan
• Food Processor

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups pecans, toasted
• ¼ teaspoon flakey sea salt (OPTIONAL: for sprinkling onto the top)

Pie Crust

• 1 ¾ cups almond flour
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1-to-1 gluten-free blend)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup almond milk (or other unsweetened plant milk)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Caramel Sauce Filling

• ½ cup tahini
• 8 medjool dates, pitted
• ½ cup almond milk (or other unsweetened plant milk)
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (can substitute with additional almond milk for oil-free)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Pie Crust Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour (or GF blend), and ½ teaspoon salt until well combined.
2. In a separate measuring cup, stir together ½ cup almond milk and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. Pour half of this liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a wooden spoon (not a whisk) to stir. Slowly add the remaining milk mixture, mixing and pulling up any flour from the bottom of the bowl, until a soft dough forms that you can pinch together between two fingers. Do not overmix.
3. Crumple then flatten a piece of unbleached parchment paper. Lightly flour the parchment, then turn the dough onto it. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a large rectangle, slightly larger than a 9×13 inch baking pan. Transfer the parchment-lined dough to the baking pan, pressing it firmly into the entire pan and about ½ inch up the sides. Use a fork to randomly poke several small holes into the pie dough across the base to prevent bubbling.
4. Spread the 2 ½ cups pecans flat in a single layer on a separate heavy-duty baking sheet. Place both the pie crust and the pecans in the preheated oven.
5. Bake the pie crust and toast the pecans simultaneously for 15 minutes. The crust should be lightly set and lightly golden, and the pecans should be a rich golden-brown and fragrant. Remove both from the oven. If any air pockets pop up in the crust, gently push them back down with your fingers.
6. Immediately set aside 1 cup of the toasted whole pecans for decorating the top of the bars. Roughly chop the remaining toasted pecans.

Caramel Filling Preparation

7. While the par-baked crust cools and pecans are prepared, make the filling. In the bowl of a food processor, fitted with an “S” blade, place the tahini, pitted Medjool dates, ½ cup almond milk, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
8. Process the mixture thoroughly until completely smooth and a thick, gooey caramel consistency is achieved. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and no chunks remain.
9. Add the roughly chopped pecans to the smooth caramel mixture in the food processor bowl. Stir by hand with a spatula until the pecans are evenly incorporated throughout the filling. (Optional: For an extra decadent treat, stir in ½ cup of vegan chocolate chips or chunks at this stage).

Assembly and Final Bake

10. Carefully pour the caramel pecan filling over the par-baked crust in the baking pan. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smoothly spread the filling evenly to all edges and corners of the pan, ensuring a uniform layer.
11. OPTIONAL: For an irresistible salted caramel effect, sprinkle a delicate pinch of flakey sea salt evenly over the top of the filling.
12. Artfully arrange the reserved 1 cup of whole pecan halves on top of the filling for an attractive, decorative finish.
13. Return the baking pan to the 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the filling is visibly set and lightly golden brown around the edges. A slight jiggle in the center is acceptable, as it will continue to set.
14. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, using the parchment paper, gently lift the entire baked creation out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This is absolutely crucial for the bars to set properly and for clean cutting.
15. Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the large rectangle into 24 bars. For the neatest and most precise slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour (or freezer for 30 minutes) before cutting.

Notes

• Salted Caramel Delight: A pinch of flakey sea salt sprinkled on top transforms these into an irresistible salted caramel pecan pie experience – highly recommended for an extra flavor pop!
• Parchment Paper Trick: Crumpling and then flattening parchment paper before lining your baking pan makes it incredibly pliable and easy to fit perfectly, especially useful when making bars.
• Serving Size: The nutritional information provided is based on cutting the entire recipe into 24 pieces (approximately 1.5″ x 2.16″ per bar). You can easily get 30 smaller, bite-sized bars if preferred for a diverse dessert spread.
• Oil-Free Option: To make this recipe completely oil-free, replace the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the filling with an equal amount (2 tablespoons) of additional almond milk.
• For Chocolate Lovers: For an extra layer of decadence, add ½ cup of your favorite vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the filling along with the chopped pecans – a truly luxurious twist!

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 209 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 64mg
• Potassium: 134mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Vitamin A: 21 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.3mg
• Calcium: 54mg
• Iron: 1mg

Note: The nutrition calculations were estimated using online tools and are for informational purposes only. For the most accurate nutritional representation of any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information based on the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete, and useful for your specific dietary needs.

Did you make this recipe?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

• What makes these pecan pie bars vegan?
  These delightful bars are entirely vegan because they meticulously use plant-based ingredients instead of any animal products. The tender crust is crafted with almond flour and all-purpose flour instead of traditional butter, and the luscious filling achieves its rich, caramel-like texture using tahini, wholesome Medjool dates, and plant milk (like almond milk) instead of eggs or dairy.
• Are these vegan pecan pie bars healthy?
  While they are undeniably a delicious dessert, these vegan pecan pie bars are a significantly healthier alternative to their traditional counterparts. They are naturally sweetened with fiber-rich dates and pure maple syrup, completely avoiding corn syrup or refined white sugar. They also contain beneficial healthy fats from pecans and tahini, and additional fiber from dates, making them a more wholesome and satisfying indulgence you can feel good about.
• Can I effortlessly make these pecan pie bars gluten-free?
  Absolutely! This versatile recipe is incredibly easy to adapt for gluten-free diets. Simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour in the crust with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. All the other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free, making this a simple swap for delicious, celiac-friendly bars.
• How long do vegan pecan pie bars last? What are the best storage methods?
  When stored properly in an airtight container, these delectable bars will maintain their freshness and deliciousness for up to 5 days at comfortable room temperature. If refrigerated, they will stay perfectly good for up to 2 weeks. For longer-term storage, they can be securely frozen for up to 3 months, making them a fantastic make-ahead dessert option for any occasion.
• Why do you specifically recommend Medjool dates? Can I use other types of dates?
  Medjool dates are highly recommended for this recipe due to their exceptionally soft, sticky, and naturally caramel-like flavor, which is absolutely essential for creating the gooey, rich filling without relying on corn syrup. They are also notably moist, making them much easier to process into a smooth, creamy paste. While other types of dates might technically work, they may require soaking first and could result in a slightly different texture or a less intense caramel flavor.
• Can I bake this recipe in a regular pie plate instead of a rectangular pan?
  Yes, absolutely you can! This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can certainly be adapted and baked in a standard 9-inch round pie plate if you prefer the classic pie presentation. Just ensure your crust is pressed evenly into the pie plate, and keep in mind that the baking times might need a slight adjustment (it’s always best to keep a close eye on it!).
• What’s the best technique for cutting the bars cleanly for presentation?
  For the neatest, most professional-looking cuts, always ensure the bars are completely cooled to room temperature, or even better, thoroughly chilled in the refrigerator for at least an hour or two. A very sharp knife, lightly wiped clean between cuts, can also significantly help make impeccably clean slices. For extra precision, some bakers briefly warm their knife under hot water before each cut.
• Can I incorporate other flavors or mix-ins to customize these bars?
  Definitely! Feel free to get wonderfully creative and customize these bars to your liking. For devoted chocolate lovers, adding ½ cup of your favorite vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the filling is a very popular and highly recommended choice. You could also experiment with a delicate pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling for a warm, spiced twist, or even a dash of high-quality bourbon for a more traditional, adult pecan pie flavor profile.