Indulge in the decadent world of these Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookie Bars – a recipe designed to be both gluten-free and dairy-free, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or texture. Imagine a thick, chewy bar, bursting with rich dark chocolate and the buttery crunch of pecans. Serve them warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream for a truly mouthwatering dessert experience that caters to all.

These dark chocolate pecan bars are a testament to how utterly delicious gluten-free and dairy-free baking can be. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of ultra-chocolatey goodness and the distinct, nutty flavor of pecans, creating a dessert that is both satisfying and incredibly comforting. The natural fats and unique texture of pecans play a crucial role, not only in flavor but also in achieving that coveted thick and chewy consistency, making them the star of our gluten-free flour blend.

While many consider cookie bars an untraditional choice for festive occasions like Thanksgiving, they have carved out a special place in our holiday traditions. They offer a delightful alternative to classic maple pecan pie or pecan cream pie, bringing a casual yet indulgent treat to the table. These bars are also a fantastic addition to your collection of vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes, ensuring everyone has a delicious option to enjoy.

The Power of Pecans: More Than Just a Nut

Pecans are truly remarkable in the world of baking, especially when it comes to creating exceptional gluten-free treats. Beyond their delightful taste and crunchy texture, when ground, pecans transform into a versatile “flour” that imparts a unique richness and helps achieve a wonderfully chewy texture in these cookie bars. Unlike many gluten-free flours that can sometimes result in dry or crumbly baked goods, pecan flour is naturally moist and flavorful, contributing to the irresistible depth of these dark chocolate pecan bars. They’re also packed with healthy fats and antioxidants, making these bars a slightly more wholesome indulgence.

Crafting the Perfect Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Cookie Bar

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the carefully chosen ingredients that make it suitable for various dietary needs without compromising on flavor. We opt for almond butter as a creamy base, providing richness and binding the ingredients together. Melted coconut oil serves as our dairy-free fat, contributing to the bar’s texture and a subtle tropical hint. Brown sugar and honey sweeten the deal, enhancing the chewiness that makes these bars so addictive. And, of course, the star: plenty of high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate chunks ensure every bite is deeply satisfying.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookie Bars: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful gluten-free dark chocolate pecan cookie bars is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfect batch every time:

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy almond butter, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. This forms the luscious, rich base of your cookie bars.
2. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the two eggs to the wet mixture and beat well. The eggs will act as a binder, adding structure and moisture to the dough, ensuring your bars are tender and hold together beautifully.
3. Make Pecan Flour: Take 1 1/2 cups of the pecan pieces and add them to a blender or food processor. Pulse until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process, as you don’t want to turn them into pecan butter; a fine meal is what we’re aiming for. This freshly ground pecan flour is key to the unique texture and flavor profile of these bars.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly made pecan flour, baking soda, sea salt, and coconut flour. Coconut flour is excellent for gluten-free baking, absorbing moisture and contributing to a soft, yet firm, texture. Ensure all dry ingredients are well mixed to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

5. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the combined dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Beat until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tougher bars. The dough will be quite thick, which is exactly what you want for a substantial cookie bar.
6. Fold in the Goodies: Gently fold in the remaining 1 cup of pecan pieces and the generous amount of dairy-free dark chocolate chunks. These whole pieces of pecan add a lovely textural contrast, while the chocolate chunks melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness.
7. Prepare for Baking: Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish thoroughly. Press the thick batter evenly into the pan using a rubber spatula or the back of a spoon. Make sure it’s spread from edge to edge for uniform baking.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the pecan cookie bars in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for 15-17 minutes. The bars are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan before cutting. For the ultimate indulgent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream (dairy-free, if preferred). The contrast between the warm, chewy bar and the cold, creamy ice cream is simply heavenly!

If you’re a lover of the deep, earthy flavor of nutty pecans combined with the intense richness of dark chocolate, then these bars are an absolute must-try. They are truly an indulgent treat that can be enjoyed year-round, but they truly shine during the cozy holiday season or as a comforting dessert on a chilly evening.

This recipe truly delivers the ultimate pecan lover’s dessert, enhanced with the luxurious touch of dark chocolate. To ensure maximum chocolatey goodness, I highly recommend using an entire bag of high-quality dark chocolate chunks. The more chocolate, the better!

Why These Cookie Bars Will Become Your New Favorite

Beyond being incredibly delicious, these dark chocolate pecan cookie bars offer several compelling reasons to make them a staple in your recipe repertoire:

• Dietary Inclusivity: They are naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family who have specific dietary needs without feeling like they’re missing out.
• Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of robust dark chocolate and the earthy, buttery notes of pecans creates a sophisticated and deeply satisfying flavor that appeals to almost everyone.
• Irresistible Texture: Thanks to the blend of pecan and coconut flours, and the right balance of fats and sugars, these bars achieve a perfect chewy-crisp edge and a soft, dense interior.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat, a potluck contribution, a holiday gathering, or a special dessert, these bars fit right in.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve success with this recipe.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These dark chocolate pecan bars are fantastic fresh, but they also store well, making them ideal for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week.

• Room Temperature: Store cooled bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or gently reheated.
• Freezing: These cookie bars freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, cut them into individual squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Then, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave or oven.

Dark Chocolate Pecan Cookie Bars

By: Joy Shull

These gluten-free dark chocolate pecan cookie bars are so decadent and delicious!

Prep:
10 mins

Cook:
15 mins

Total:
25 mins

Servings:
16

Ingredients

• 1 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces, ground into flour
• 1/3 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 10 oz dairy-free dark chocolate chunks
• 1 cup pecan pieces (for folding in)

Instructions

1. Beat the almond butter, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, honey, and vanilla until well combined.
2. Add the eggs and beat well until fully incorporated.
3. Add 1 1/2 cups of pecan pieces to a blender or food processor and grind them up into a fine, flour-like consistency.
4. In a separate bowl, add the pecan flour, baking soda, salt, and coconut flour and whisk to combine thoroughly.
5. Add the dry mixture to the wet, beating until just combined. The batter will be thick.
6. Fold in the remaining 1 cup of pecan pieces and the dairy-free dark chocolate chunks.
7. Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish and press the batter evenly into the pan using a rubber spatula.
8. Bake the pecan cookie bars at 350 degrees F (175 C) for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcal,
Carbohydrates: 31g,
Protein: 7g,
Fat: 28g,
Saturated Fat: 7g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g,
Cholesterol: 25mg,
Sodium: 161mg,
Fiber: 5g,
Sugar: 18g