The Insane No-Bake Pecan Bars You Need to Make This Weekend

Photo by Becca Boyd

I talk to people all the time who tell me they can’t bake. This is all well and good (or, well, sad as the case my be), but everyone needs a sweet snack now and then, and if you’re not baking them yourself, you’re buying them. While you can find some pretty amazing store-bought snacks, low in preservatives and whatnot, I have yet to find one without an unpronounceable ingredient or two. For your health’s, the environment’s (helloooo, plastic packaging) and your wallet’s sake, getting in your kitchen and doing the work is always worth it.

And so, this post is for you, non-bakers! Note: You will need a food processor for this recipe, so if you don’t have one, consider buying one (Trust me, you’ll get your money’s worth; they’re SO handy) or borrowing one from a friend.

I’ve found that with a basic canvas of nuts, oats and dates, the varieties are endless. Once made, the bars should be stored in the fridge or freezer. You can wrap them individually for mornings (or afternoons, or evenings) on the go. Bonus: With balanced proportions of carbs, protein and healthy fats, they’re perfect for pre- and post-workout snacks.

Recipe: Healthy, No-Bake Pecan Pie Bars

Makes an 8×8 pan, cut into 16 bars

2 c. unsalted pecans
1 c. pitted dates
1 c. oats
1 tbsp. molasses
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Method

1. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and golden brown.
2. Transfer nuts to food processor and add dates and oats. Pulse several times, then process until finely ground and evenly combined.
3. Scrape down the sides of the canister. Add remaining ingredients and process until evenly combined.
4. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of a parchment-, foil- or waxed paper-lined 8×8-inch baking dish. Refrigerate until set and cut into 16 bars. Store in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.

Per bar: 163 calories, 11 fat grams, 75 milligrams sodium, 113 milligrams potassium, 16 grams carbs, 3 grams dietary fiber, 9 grams sugar, 3 grams protein. 

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Becca Boyd is a wife and mom who creates healthy and delicious recipes in her West Chester kitchen. She blogs about them on her website, Home Beccanomics.