Savor the Sweetness: Pecan Pie Bar Recipe

Dive into a world of sweet indulgence with a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie – Pecan Pie Bars! These decadent treats combine the rich flavors of pecans, the sweetness of apricots, and a hint of smoked salt for a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings, these pecan pie bars are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover the magic of homemade goodness!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 100 grams coconut oil, melted
• 50 grams panela sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 150 grams white spelt flour

For the Filling:

• 5 ripe apricots, thinly sliced
• 50 grams panela sugar
• 15 grams white spelt flour
• Juice from half a lemon
• A pinch of smoked salt

For the Streusel Topping:

• 50 grams old-fashioned oats
• 70 grams panela sugar
• 30 grams white spelt flour
• 50 grams coconut oil
• 80 grams toasted pecans, crushed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted coconut oil, panela sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the white spelt flour to the wet ingredients, stirring until a dough forms.
4. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

2. Make the Filling:

1. In a separate bowl, toss the thinly sliced apricots with panela sugar, white spelt flour, lemon juice, and smoked salt until well coated.
2. Arrange the apricot slices evenly over the crust in the baking dish.

3. Prepare the Streusel Topping:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, panela sugar, white spelt flour, and crushed toasted pecans.
2. Add the coconut oil and mix until the ingredients are crumbly and well combined.

4. Assemble and Bake:

1. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apricot filling in the baking dish.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Cook’s Notes and Variations:

• Texture Play: Experiment with different nuts for the streusel topping, such as almonds or walnuts, for added variety and crunch.
• Fruit Substitution: Don’t have apricots on hand? Feel free to substitute with other stone fruits like peaches or plums for a delicious variation.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, swap out the white spelt flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for the crust and streusel topping.
• Sweetener Swap: If panela sugar is not available, you can substitute with coconut sugar or brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Indulge in the sweet flavors of pecan pie bars while staying true to your keto or low-carb lifestyle with these adaptations:

Keto Version:

• Replace the white spelt flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a lower carb alternative.
• Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of panela sugar.
• Opt for unsweetened dried apricots or reduce the amount of apricots to minimize carb content.
• Choose unsweetened shredded coconut or chopped almonds instead of oats for the streusel topping.

Low-Carb Version:

• Reduce the amount of white spelt flour in the crust and streusel topping, or substitute with a combination of almond flour and coconut flour.
• Use a low-carb sweetener like stevia or xylitol instead of panela sugar in the crust, filling, and streusel topping.
• Limit the amount of apricots or replace them with lower carb fruits such as berries or rhubarb.
• Incorporate unsweetened coconut flakes or chopped macadamia nuts into the streusel topping for added crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use fresh apricots instead of dried?

A: Absolutely! Fresh apricots will provide a juicier and more vibrant flavor to the pecan pie bars. Simply slice them thinly and adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can! These pecan pie bars can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Q: Can I omit the smoked salt in the filling?

A: Of course! The smoked salt adds a subtle smoky flavor to the bars, but you can omit it if you prefer a more traditional pecan pie flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut oil?

A: Yes, you can substitute melted butter or ghee for the coconut oil in the crust and streusel topping for a richer flavor profile.

In conclusion, Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect indulgence for anyone with a sweet tooth. With their buttery crust, juicy apricot filling, and crunchy pecan streusel topping, they’re a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie. Whether you’re serving them for dessert, as a snack, or with your morning coffee, these bars are sure to impress. With the option to customize ingredients to suit different dietary preferences, everyone can enjoy the irresistible flavors of homemade goodness. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the sweetness of Pecan Pie Bars!

Elevate your baking game with this delicious recipe for Pecan Pie Bars – your taste buds will thank you!

This comprehensive blog post covers all aspects of making Pecan Pie Bars, including ingredients, instructions, variations, FAQs, and adaptations for keto and low-carb diets, ensuring that readers have all the information they need to recreate this delectable dessert.