No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars (Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars (V, GF, Paleo): a 5-ingredient, no bake recipe for deliciously textured pecan bars topped with a thick layer of chocolate and nuts. Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free.
Before we get started today, I just wanted to say thank you all for the amazing birthday wishes. 🙂 It was really wonderful and heartwarming to receive your kind words. <3 All the hugs, high-fives, and maybe, just maybe, some big plates stacked with warm cookies (and birthday cake) to you.
☀︎ ☀︎ ☀︎
It’s official, fall is here! Wait a minute, I’m a bit behind again, aren’t I? What I meant to say was… it’s official, Thanksgiving madness is upon us! We made it through that rough patch of letting go of summer, we drizzled our way through Halloween, and, now, we are finally in that cozy, warm spot before the winter holidays.
Leaves are turning all the beautiful colors of pumpkin bread (and chocolate pumpkin bread!!! Okay… brown leaves heh heh), candy red apples, and caramel spice lattes… um, I mean, natural, non-food related colors of fall (yeah, right). And here we are! In case anyone noticed, I’ve gotten into a mood. More specifically, the pecan mood.
Could there be a tastier mood?
Okay, there is peanut butter and chocolate, coffee and coconut and all kinds of other flavor-ingredient moods I have to stop talking about or else I’ll eat my computer. But, ya know, it’s a pecan-scented/stuffed/topped/chopped mood ‘round these parts.
First there was the double chocolate pecan brownies. Yep, with plenty, plenty, and more plenty of drizzle. Then, there was the no bake pecan pie bites. And now, without further ado, a most stunning addition to the Pecan Collection of ’16: No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars.
Are you excited?
Do you love pecans as much as I do? Do you kinda think they taste like they’re already coated in something sweet and delicious, like coconut sugar, without even being coated in something sweet and delicious, like coconut sugar?
I do. 🙂
Anyway, when I was whipping up batches upon batches of my no bake pecan pie bites, several family members of mine kept asking for more ways to eat all of that deliciousness. My mom wondered if there could be cups of some sort. Erik asked for, well, you know what he asked for. My sisters… well, my sisters were happy with pretty much any and all forms of the snack-packed care packages they could get. 😉
Snack-packed care packages… Hmm. I kinda like the sound of that.
Wait, what was I saying? Right. Well, I was whipping up another batch of those pecan pie bites and I started thinking, what would happen if I just poured the entire lot of it into a pan? Then, combine some of that deliciousness with the amazing chocolate topping from this recipe?
It could go one of three ways: 1) terribly awry for no good reason at all. Don’t even get me started on the shenanigans that arose from trying to make my no bake pumpkin chocolate chip cookie dough bites into truffles (simple?? Not so much.) 2) Fairly mediocre-ly. Yes, mediocre-ly. In which case, it totally would not warrant the joy/trouble of blending up dates, almond butter and pecans (some of the most precious, delicious ingredients ever, amiright?).
3) Stunningly, fireworks-shooting-off-into-space, take the day off of work and traipse over all manner of apple-green hills while singing like Zac Efron in that one music video that ALWAYS makes Erik and me giggle because these are that good, GOOD.
So what do you think happened? 🙂
Someone call Zac (why yes, we’re on a first-name basis) and tell him to put his singing shoes on. Because these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars are IT. IT = So. Ridiculously. Good. And before I start telling you all about how amazing they taste, let me just first say: they do not require refrigeration.
Is anyone else as excited about that as I am? No refrigeration. Duuuuuuuuude. I mean, you totally can refrigerate these, if that’s what floats your (obviously cool in many ways) boat. But they just don’t! In fact, the texture of these is actually better if you leave them out at room temperature.
Unless you’re the type to enjoy frozen brownies? No judgments—I’ve been known to really enjoy frozen cups of all shapes and sizes (okay, well, just sizes cause: cups. Ahem). Frozen can definitely make the enjoyment time last longer, but there’s just something to be said about a no bake bar that can withstand the test of room temperature.
Ya know?
When I was testing these bars at different temperatures—why yes, that does sound a tad crazy—I wanted to make sure they’d keep at all the degrees. I trial tested one container of these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars in the fridge, one on the counter and one in the freezer. I found that the one at room temp had the tastiest texture. The chocolate topping was firm, but delightful to bite into, like soft fudge. And the pecan bars held together, with this perfect sweetness and scrumptious texture.
Alright, maybe I’m rambling. Okay, I’m definitely rambling. But seriously, these bars are THAT good. I’ll save you the displeasure of reading like 10,000 more words about these no bake treats, and just shower you with the features bullet points that I so often like to do. 🙂 Also, before I get to THE list, can I just say: these paleo chocolate chip muffins from the very talented Chrystal at Gluten-Free Palate look amazing!
Check it out, these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars are:
- made with just 5 ingredients
- paleo, vegan
- the perfect balance of salty and sweet
- tasty just like chocolate pecan pie
- gluten free, dairy-free
- made with feel-good ingredients
- so easy to make
- rich, chocolatey and nutty
- plant-based and allergy-friendly
- AMAZING at room temperature
- perfect for a post-dinner dessert or…
- a mid-afternoon/morning snack
- Zac Efron-approved (in theory; make that singing theory)
I hope you love these No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars as much as my family and I do. Thank you for preparing for the holidays with me. I can’t wait to hear what you think of these. In the mean time, tell me:
What’s the weather like where you live? Does the change in seasons make you crave anything special?
Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️
And a few Fall-inspired Plant-based, Allergy-Friendly Recipes for the road…
Super Fudgy Paleo Maple Pecan Brownies | Paleo Apple Crisp | 3 Ingredient Chocolate Pecan Fudge (Paleo) | Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins | Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Breakfast Bars | Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies | Gluten Free Maple Pecan Pumpkin Muffins | Skillet-Roasted Cinnamon Maple Pecans | Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (Paleo)
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No Bake Paleo Dessert Recipes
- 4 Ingredient No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Bars
- 2 Ingredient 5 Minute Homemade Fudge Recipe
- No Bake Paleo Chocolate Almond Butter Bars
- Ultimate Fudgy Paleo Vegan Brownies
No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars (Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
No Bake Paleo Chocolate Pecan Bars (V, GF, Paleo): a 5-ingredient, no bake recipe for deliciously textured pecan bars topped with a thick layer of chocolate and nuts. Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free.
Ingredients
Pecan Layer
- 5–7 Medjool dates, pitted (1/2 cup, packed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted, natural almond butter
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted pecan halves, divided
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
Chocolate Layer
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unsalted, natural almond butter
Topping
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, greased foil or wax paper. Set aside.
- Make the pecan layer: Add dates and almond butter to a food processor. Blend until you get a somewhat cohesive, sticky and crumbly mixture, like chunks of wet sand/dough. This will take about a minute. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
- Add in 1 cup pecans, vanilla and salt. Blend until the pecans are fully-incorporated and you get a soft, crumbly mixture. It’s ready when you can pinch the mixture between your fingers and it holds together. Add in remaining ½ cup pecans. Pulse just a few times until incorporated and pecans are chopped, with medium-small pieces still visible.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press down and smooth into an tightly-packed, even layer.
- Make the chocolate layer: Use the double boiler method or the following. In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add Chocolate Layer ingredients (1/2 cup chocolate chips and ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon almond butter). Heat in 20-second increments until softened and melted. Stir until smooth.
- Pour this chocolate mixture over the pecan bars. Using a rubber spatula, smooth into an even layer. Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped pecans evenly over the bars. Press pecans gently into the chocolate layer.
- Freeze for 20-30 minutes. Remove from freezer and slice into 16 bars. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.
Notes
– Adapted from my No Bake Pecan Pie Bites (Vegan, Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free) and my Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats.
– Storage notes: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.
– Freezing instructions: Store in an airtight, freezer-friendly container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
– Fall recipes (v, gf, df): pumpkin bread, pumpkin chocolate chip muffins, caramel apple tartlets, double chocolate pecan brownies.
– More Paleo sweet treats (all v, gf, df): almond joy, coffee coconut frappuccino, no bake pecan pie bites, almond butter cups.
- Category: No Bake, Dessert, Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy-Free
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Double Chocolate Pecan Brownies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
No Bake Pecan Pie Bites (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Vegan Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Paleo Almond Joy (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
These are delicious!! ❤❤❤
I didn’t have enough pecans so I subbed 1/2 walnuts in the crust. I will definitely be making these again!
Do you know the nutritional value?
These were absolutely amazing!!
I made these for a party and everybody loved them!
Thank you!!
Woohoo! I’m so happy they were such a hit Amelia! 😊
I made these as an alternative dessert at a gala for us dairy, egg and gluten free people. They were a hit. I am going to visit my brother on the weekend and he asked me to make these again for him and he is none of the above! Thanks for a great and tasty recipe!
Hi Mary-Jo! 🙂 Oh wow, I am so utterly pleased to hear this! How cool is it that your brother is none of the above, as you so finely put it, and he still requested it? Love it! Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know–it truly made my day! Enjoy.
I was raised in the kitchen with the women in my family. I have cooking Friday night dinners since I was 12 years old (now in my 40’s)
I have also been using online recipes to cook for Friday night dinners for 6 years and I have never once made any comments.
But THIS RECIPE I just had to say something because I think it’s perfect.
Chocolatey and Rich? YES!
Vegan? YES!
Gluten free? YES!
Sugar Free? YES!
Chocolatey Junky chemical sugar attack fix? YES YES Yes but without the junky chemical sugars.
If you have a craving for a chocolatey, rich, junky dessert but your mind, body, or soul (or doctor) tells you to stay away, THIS IS THE PERFECT SUBSTITUTE.
I made this for my sister when I was visiting back east a couple of weeks ago and everyone ate it and even wanted seconds. Even the Duncan Hines, chemical junk lovers. it’s that rich and perfectly balanced.
Just one note- ADD THE SALT. That to me made the difference.
Literally i got a call from my sister when we were home begging me for the recipe. She’s making it for baby shower…
Naomi, I’m SO thrilled to hear that my recipe was such a hit with you and your family! I love that in all your years of kitchen experience, you’ve yet to comment on an online recipe… til NOW! ☺️ Thank you for taking the time to leave your feedback. Hugs!
What chocolate is Paleo approved? I can’t find vegan chocolate around me 🙁 thanks in advance!
What time of chocolate is paleo approved? I can’t find vegan chocolate near me 🙁 thanks in advance!
This looks amazing! I would love to try them for sure…i have two questions…1st can i make it in 9×13 glass dish? And 2nd one can i freeze them over night? i need to take them on 3h road trip to picnic and i wander if that will be ok to make them the night before and when i came there put them in fridge and use them next day?
Hi Noemina, thank you! 9×13 glass dish: yes! Be sure to double the recipe first. Freezing: yes, you can freeze them overnight and take them on the road with you. As long as it’s not too hot, they don’t need to be stored in the fridge. Hope you enjoy!
these are very good, thanks!
Woohoo! So happy to hear you enjoyed them Aneta! ☺️
Looks amazing.
What can i use instead of dates ? I don’t like thier taste is desserts
Thanks
Hi Nada, thank you! You can use raisins, or pretty much any other dried fruit of similar texture. 🙂 The flavor of the fruit might affect the bars. Enjoy!
Absolutely delicious! I love the ingredients, the fudgy texture, and the no-bake aspect of these bars. As an added bonus, they are beautiful! I ended up using closer to 1/2 C of pecans to top them off to get the right amount of coverage, but I wouldn’t change anything else about the recipe.
So happy you enjoyed them, Kristin. 🙂 Sometimes ya just gotta add more nuts on top! I totally get it. 🙂 Enjoy!
OMGee Demeter, I just made these for an office party and they’re amazing! I was hesitant because it’s not fluffy white flour sugar stuff and you just never know if people who are used to that sort of thing will like gluten and dairy free foods. Big hit! I can have some grains so I added some mesquite flour because my almond butter was pretty oily. Ohmygosh, amazing, the mesquite added more caramel flavor to theme do helped bind the dough together. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful recipes. .
Hi Janet! I’m so happy to hear that these were a hit. I know what you mean about being nervous sharing these kind of treats with non-GF, non-DF folks, it can be a bit uncertain. It’s my goal to share recipes that are as good, if not better–ha!, than what they’re used to! 😉 Thank for sharing the success of this recipe. Great idea to add the flour!
Oh yummy!!
Two question: is a blender an acceptable alternative? I’ve used it before with dates, and they don’t necessarily mix it all the way smooth.
And two, can peanut butter be substituted? I have that on hand, more than I have almond butter.
Thank you! 🙂
Thanks Katie! 🙂 Blender: truth be told, it depends on the size of your blender container and its ability to really get the food at the bottom of the container. I favor using a food processor since it blends everything up evenly. Peanut butter: yes! It’ll just make the bars taste more like peanut butter than the pecans. Good luck! Let me know how they turn out. 🙂
Yum! I made these a week prior to Thanksgiving, stuck them in the freezer, and let them thaw day of–delicious!
Fantastic! I hope they were a great addition to your Thanksgiving Day table. 🙂
Hi Demeter! I just made these and they are soooo good! My tweak was skipping the nut butter in the topping and using melted ‘90% cocoa’ chocolate with a touch of maple syrup and about 1 tbsp of coconut butter. They taste like something very expensive you’d get at a posh vegan cafe!! I’d say I’d make them every week but sadly boyf can’t eat nuts so only me and daughter got to feast on these. It was hot so I didn’t want the oven on and she needed snacks for school lunchbox. I found these searching for no-bake treats, but while I’m here, reckon you can dream up tasty no-bake sweet treats without nuts?? As you’ll be aware, nearly all seem to feature nut butter or almond flour or both. I’m not sad I made these though!!
Hi Jane! Love the tweaks you made-they’re genius and sound absolutely delish! So happy that you and your daughter got to enjoy these. Good point on the lack of nut-free no bake treats. You’ve definitely got me thinking about making some in the future. In the meantime, you can try swapping any of the nut butter recipes with sunflower seed butter. Enjoy!
I was wondering if i could use a blender for this recipe because i don’t own a food processor 🙁
Hi Jasmin, yes you can! You just need to take a little more care to scraping down the sides when blending. I like using a food processor because it blends everything more evenly–but a blender will work. Good luck & let me know how they turn out. 🙂