Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

These Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are so easy to make and taste incredible! They just might become one of your new favorite Thanksgiving, Christmas, or holiday desserts! The shortbread crust pairs perfectly with the pecan pie-inspired filling in these cute, bite-sized treats!

Easy Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Pecan pie is a staple at most people’s Thanksgiving or Christmas tables, but have you tried making chocolate pecan pie?  Or chocolate pecan pie bars?

The cinnamon-infused filling is perfectly complimented by a subtle chocolate undertone while the creamy filling is balanced by crunchy pecans.  AND turning them into chocolate pecan pie BARS makes it quite a bit easier and less time-consuming to make than a traditional pecan pie.

This is especially handy during the busy holiday season full of family gatherings (like Thanksgiving dinner!). I promise, you’ll fall in love with this easy dessert!

(If you’re loving pecan pie in all its forms, you have to try these Pecan Hand Pies and this Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup!)

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make these chocolate pecan pie bars at home include:

• Flour. The best option to use is almond flour, but it is very important to buy blanched, super fine almond flour. However, you can choose regular, all-purpose flour or a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend.
• Coconut flour. Most coconut flours are similar in texture so you can use whatever brand or type you happen to find.
• Starch. While tapioca starch is listed below, you can also use corn starch (if not strictly Paleo) or arrowroot starch with similar results.
• Maple syrup. If using maple syrup, make sure you get pure maple syrup. You can also use honey or agave nectar with similar results, but a slightly different flavor.
• Pecans. Since the crunchy pecans are a huge component of the taste and flavor in this chocolate pecan pie bars recipe, splurge for the better pecans!
• Chocolate chips. Enjoy Life has some incredible mini chocolate chips that are dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. If you are not strictly Paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, or soy-free, feel free to use whatever mini chocolate chips you can find.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Below are the steps to follow to make these easy pecan pie bars at home:

Make the Crust and Filling

Preheat the oven to 350℉.

Combine the flours and 3 tablespoons of coconut sugar in a medium-sized or large bowl. Whisk well. Then, mix in the melted coconut oil, whisked egg, maple syrup, and salt. Stir until a ball forms. You can use a pastry blender if you have one.

Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, then press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Be sure the sides go up at least ½ to 1 inch.

Save dishes by making the filling in the same bowl as the crust. Whisk together the maple syrup, coconut oil, whisked eggs, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and tapioca starch. 

Cook’s Tip:  Glass and ceramic baking dishes work best in this recipe, but a metal baking pan is a fine option, too.

Finish and Bake in the Oven

Sprinkle the pecans across the prepared crust. Then, add the chocolate chips, as well.

Carefully pour the pecan pie filling over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the dish.

Bake the pecan pie bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and starts bubbling. After cooking, let the bars cool to at least room temperature on a wire rack. They need this time to set, or they’ll fall apart when cutting.

Cook’s Tip: Make sure you get GOOD pecans since they will carry a large amount of the flavor in this pecan pie bars recipe.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead: Make the entire recipe, including baking the pecan pie bars, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Or, prepare the crust and filling, assemble the pecan pie bars, but do not bake them yet. Store the unbaked pecan pie bars in the refrigerator and bake them the day of serving.
• How to store: Since pecan pie bars have an egg-based filling, they need to be stored in the refrigerator within 2 hours of baking. Chocolate pecan pie bars will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• How to freeze: You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months. Be sure to tightly wrap them in plastic first.
• How to reheat: When ready to serve, simply pull the pecan pie bars out for at least 20 minutes so they come to room temperature. Or, you can heat them up for 10-15 seconds in the microwave.

How to tell when pecan pie is done?

Pecan pie is done when the center is firm when lightly touched and does jiggle when you shake it. Be sure the crust is cooked and the filling is relatively stable. This is the case for pie as well as for bars, like in this recipe.

Can I make regular pecan pie bars?

Yes! You can absolutely leave out the chocolate chips in this recipe and make regular pecan pie bars, instead. Simply substitute an additional ½-cup pecans for the ½-cup chocolate chips and follow the recipe instructions below.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free 1-to-1 blend for the crust.
• Dairy-Free: Swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative and select dairy-free chocolate chips.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Be picky. Grab GOOD pecans for the best results.
• Save dishes. Make the filling in the same bowl you made the crust in.
• Mix it up. Choose a variety of milk, dark, and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the perfect dessert.
• Make it early. You can whip up this recipe a couple of days early to save time on a big holiday.
• Avoid the stick. Spritz your hands with non-stick cooking spray to keep the crust from sticking when you’re pressing it into the pan.

More Holiday Dessert Recipes

When the holiday season rolls around, dessert is always on the menu. Try any of these recipes when your sweet tooth hits; you just might find your new year-round favorite!

Any day can feel like Christmas morning with these Cinnamon Roll Cookies.

If you want more pecan pie but are craving a pie crust, whip up a Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup, Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie, or even Pecan Hand Pies.

Thanksgiving isn’t complete without a Pumpkin Pie. Or, change it up with this Sweet Potato Pie.

And don’t miss this Gluten-Free Apple Crisp.