Cranberry Pecan Pie Bars

These delicious and easy to prepare cranberry pecan pie bars feature cranberries, pecans, maple syrup and oats, and are perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

They’re wholesome, hearty and only lightly sweetned so the pecan and cranberry flavors really shine.

How to make cranberry pecan pie bars

Featured Ingredients

For the crust:

• Butter: The “liquid” that brings the crust together.
  • It provides a delicious flavor and beautiful mouth feel.
• Flour and oats: The hearty, wholesome texture of flour + oats makes the perfect crust.
• Flax: For a boost of nutrition and nuttiness.
• Maple syrup: To lightly sweeten the crust.

For the filling:

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans mixed with cranberries to make these delish bars.
• Sugar and maple syrup: A mix of both helps sweeten the filling and provides a maple flavor.
• Cornstarch: To thicken the filling.
• Butter: For flavor and to add moisture to bring the filling together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 baking dish (or 10×7) with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Place the crust ingredients into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish until flat and even and bake 20 minutes, until lightly browned and set. Let crust slightly cool.
4. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the filling ingredients until combined.
5. If the filling seems dry, add a tablespoon of water and stir until thoroughly combined.
6. Pour the filling onto the crust and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until the filling is set.
7. Let the bars slightly cool, then refrigerate until bars are completely cooled, then remove from the pan by pulling the parchment paper out onto a flat surface.
8. Slice into bars and serve.

Recipe Subtitutions and Alterations

• For the butter: Try with coconut oil.
• For the flour: Use any all-purpose flour, such as whole wheat, whole wheat pastry, whole wheat white, all-purpose, gluten free all-purpose or oat flour.
• For the maple syrup: Try with honey.
• For the cranberries: Try with fresh or frozen berries.
• For the pecans: Try with walnuts.

Nutrition Considerations

• To make them gluten free: Use gluten free all-purpose flour and gluten free oats.
  • Be sure all ingredients you choose are gluten free.
• To make them dairy free: This recipe does not contain dairy.
• To make them vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter.
• To make them egg free: This recipe does not contain eggs.

Storage Tips

• To eat right away: Store in an airtight container or sealed Ziploc bag at room temperature or in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
• To freeze: Store in an airtight container or sealed Ziploc bag at room temperature up to 2 months.
  • Let thaw at room temperature.

Holiday desserts you’ll love:

• Sweet Potato Pie with Maple Whipped Cream
• Winter Citrus and Pomegranate Mascarpone Cups
• Apple Crisp Shortbread Bars
• Pumpkin Crumb Bars
• Cranberry Goat Cheese Stuffed Pears
• Peanut Butter Yogurt Cookies with Dark Chocolate

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