If you’re on the hunt for a holiday recipe that combines the wholesome goodness of sweet potatoes with the nutty crunch of pecans, look no further than these mouthwatering Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Bars. This treat encapsulates the rich flavors and textures of a classic pecan pie with a healthy twist, making it perfect for those following a gluten-free diet. Imagine biting into a velvety layer of spiced sweet potato filling, topped with a crisp, caramelized pecan topping, all on a buttery, gluten-free crust.
Why Choose Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Bars?
Not only are these bars a delectable dessert option, but they also cater to various dietary needs without compromising taste. They offer an ideal dessert option that fits into the dietary requirements of your guests, ensuring that everyone at your table can indulge without hesitation. By incorporating gluten-free flour into the crust, we ensure that the sweetness of the pecans and the earthy depth of the sweet potatoes shine through. These bars are a celebration of natural flavors, sweetened naturally with delicious ingredients you can feel good about.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 cup raw pecans, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup gluten-free oats
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 eggs or flax eggs for vegan option
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
Essential Cookware
- A double boiler for melting coconut oil
- A high-quality knives set for chopping pecans
- A large cutting board for preparing ingredients
- A set of mixing bowls for blending ingredients
Preparation Instructions
1. Prepare the crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350F (175C) and lining an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, gluten-free oats, coconut oil, and a splash of maple syrup until you achieve a crumbly texture. Press this mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes or until it becomes slightly golden. This crispy base sets the stage for your flavorful sweet potato pecan pie bars.
2. Sweet potato filling:
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan twist), coconut sugar, unsweetened almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Pour this evenly over your pre-baked crust. The luxurious blend of spices with sweet potatoes is what gives these bars their signature warm and comforting flavor.
3. Pecan topping:
For the topping, mix the chopped pecans with a dash of maple syrup and a touch more cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this fragrant nut mixture over the sweet potato layer, gently pressing it down into the filling to ensure a good adherence and to lock in all those rich flavors.
4. Baking the bars:
Return the assembled pie bars to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the edges look set and the middle is just firm to the touch. Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting them into squaresthis step is crucial for achieving clean, stable slices that showcase the distinct layers.
For an extra touch of flair, serve these bars with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Pecan Bars
Ensuring your sweet potatoes are properly cooked and mashed is essential; they should be velvety smooth with no lumps to interfere with that creamy bite. You can bake or steam the sweet potatoes beforehand to ensure they reach that perfect texture. To easily cut the bars into uniform pieces, make sure they’re completely cooled after baking.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
These bars are just as delicious the day after baking. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. As for serving, they make a delightful addition to a festive dessert spread, but they’re simple and satisfying enough to enjoy as a weekday treat. Whether served warm or cold, they’re sure to satisfy any sweet craving.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
One might wonder, why these particular bars? It’s because this recipe takes the wholesome heartiness of traditional pecan pie and enhances it with the velvety sweetness of nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, all without gluten or refined sugars. It’s not just a dessertit’s a small victory for those seeking comfort food without guilt. Check out how it pairs perfectly with simpler dishes like Simple Spaghetti Squash Cakes for a delightful texture contrast.
Related Recipes
If you’re looking to expand your culinary repertoire with more gluten-free delights, consider trying the recipe for Creamy Garlic Leek Autumn Pasta, which beautifully complements the sweet richness of these bars. Or venture into similar warm flavors with our Roasted Tomato Veggie Pasta Soup.
Kitchen Clean-Up
After baking such delicious treats, cleaning up is essential. Keep your kitchen pristine using a stainless steel cleaner for your cookware and a cutting board conditioner to maintain your tools in perfect condition.
Now, youre all set to impress your loved ones with these delightful Gluten Free Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Bars! Their incredible layers and deep flavors are truly unforgettable and are a testament to the magic that occurs when wholesome ingredients and innovative cooking methods unite.
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