The Most Amazing Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

Canadian Thanksgiving is JUST around the corner. It always sneaks up on me. It’s like September ends and BOOM- full swing Fall. I’m ok with it, just a little frantic though! If you are like me and forgot Thanksgiving is THIS WEEKEND coming up, I’ve got you covered with the most amazing Vegan Pecan Pie Bars! The base is like a gluten free shortbread and the filling is chewy, sticky, thick and loaded with pecans. It’s such a simple recipe to make if you don’t feel like dealing with a finicky pie crust. You get that pie vibe without the fuss. Talk about a sweet deal.

Why You’ll Love These Vegan Pecan Pie Bars

• No need to stress about preparing a pie crust with these vegan pecan pie bars. The gluten free shortbread base is a flaky and crumbly (but not too crumbly) and you don’t have to roll ANYTHING out. You just pack it in an 8×8 pan and let it bake. EASY PEASY.
• Not to be dramatic but the filling of these pecan bars tastes like you won the lottery. I don’t personally know what that tastes like, but if I could guess it would be like this filling. It’s sweet and unforgettable.
• There aren’t that many ingredients needed to make these vegan pecan pie bars. Pretty simple if you are a longtime vegan/gluten free baker. And if you aren’t, these pecan bars are still totally worth having to buy any extra ingredient in my opinion.

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Make the Gluten Free Shortbread

To make the gluten free shortbread start with melting the coconut oil and then measure 3 tbsp. Add all of the base ingredients together and mix well. The batter will be crumbly but will stick together. Place the base batter in the lined 8×8 pan. Spread it evenly in the pan and press it down firmly with your fingers. This is important so that the base of the vegan pecan pie bars stays intact. Bake for 10 minutes and then remove it from the oven after 10 minutes (it will be slightly golden). Let it sit while you prepare the filling for the pecan bars.

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How To Make The Gluten Free Pecan Pie Bars Filling

1. To make the most amazing vegan pecan pie bars, the filling is so important. Start witht adding all the ingredients (except the pecans) to a small saucepan. Over low heat let the butter melt and everything combine by stirring regularly. Once the butter and sugar have broken down, remove it from the heat. The filling for the pecan bars should be somewhere between thick and a little runny. Add in the pecans and thoroughly mix everything together.  
2. Pour the filling over the base and spread it evenly. Use all the filling- every LAST drop.
3. Bake the vegan pecan pie bars in the oven for 18-20 minutes until the filling is bubbling quite intensely. Remove from the oven and let cool for 20 minutes (at least) and then place the pecan bars in the fridge to set for at least 3 hours. If you remove it after 2 hours, the pecan bars will have somewhat set but the middle will be a bit runnier than what would be ideal. So 3-hour minimum is ideal. Then cut the vegan pecan pie bars up and sink your teeth into deliciousness.

Tips for making Pecan Bars

• Stick with the recipe. I have not tested these vegan pecan pie bars without the brown rice syrup. I have a feeling people will want to try it with maple syrup and I would suggest that you don’t. Maple syrup is WAY thinner than brown rice syrup and I don’t think it will yield the same result. I have not tested it, so if you do, let me know if it works. But I believe it to be too thin in consistency to really “hold its own”. So people, stick with the brown rice syrup and don’t go all willy nilly on me.
• Fridge time is key. I highly suggest letting these pecan bars set in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This is key for the filling to solidify so it doesn’t go running down your face when you take a bite.
• Use your muscles to press the gluten free shortbread base down into the pan. Pack it well so that the crust stays intact. No one wants a sawdust-like gluten free pecan pie for Thanksgiving.

Other Vegan Fall Recipes To Try

• Vegan Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
• Vegan Thanksgiving Round Up
• Gluten Free Banana Muffins

If Thanksgiving snuck up on you as well, and you were stressing about an epic dessert, stress no more- these vegan pecan pie bars will save the day. The filling is thick, chewy and sweet and the gluten free shortbread base balances out all the sweetness of the filling with its flakiness. It’s a match made in heaven. With these pecan bars, you can avoid making a crumbly pie crust and still please your dinner guests! Serve these bars with some coconut whip or drizzle dark chocolate on top to take these vegan pecan pie bars to the next level!

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