No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars
These No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars taste like classic pecan pie but require no baking at all! Made with a pecan-oat crust and a naturally sweet date caramel layer, they’re perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, holiday gifting, or a cozy dessert anytime.
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Servings: 12 bars
Ingredients
Crust (bottom layer)
- 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 10 soft Medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup water
Caramel layer (filling)
- 20 Medjool dates pitted
- ¼ cup water plus more as needed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup pecan halves or pieces
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine pecans, oats, almond flour, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until it looks like a fine, sandy flour.
- Add the dates and water, and then blend again until a sticky dough forms — it should easily stick together when pressed.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9 pan lined with parchment. Make sure the layer is even and compact (use the back of a measuring cup for extra smoothness).
- Without washing the food processor, add the dates, water, vanilla, and salt. Blend until thick and smooth. Tip: If your dates are dry, add 1–2 teaspoons more water at a time until creamy.
- Spread the caramel layer evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle pecan halves on top and gently press them into the caramel so they stick.
- Freeze the bars for 30–60 minutes until firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Lift the parchment from the pan, slice into squares, and enjoy!
- Store in the fridge up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months. If frozen, let soften at room temp before eating.