Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (2024)

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This homemade energy bar recipe is the perfect wholesome snack! It’s naturally sweet, featuring oats, chia seeds, and pecans.

Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (1)

These post was created in partnership with theAmerican Pecan Council. All opinions are our own.

Wholesome snacks is a topic Alex and I get asked about a lot. Now that we have a toddler, we think about it a lot too! This energy bar recipe is our newest invention for healthy snacks. And let me tell you, our son Larson is OBSESSED with them, too! Not only are these kid approved, they’re perfect for adult snacking too. The sweet flavor is reminiscent of pecan pie,and they’re full of superfoods like pecans and chia seeds.

Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (2)

What’s great about pecans?

Pecans are the star in this energy bar recipe! There are so many things Alex and I love about this nut. Pecans are:

  • Nutritious: Pecans are very nutrient dense! They’reamong the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats, and contain protein, fiber,flavonoids and essential minerals (copper, manganese and zinc).
  • Versatile:They’re not just for pecan pie! They’re an easy snack right out of the bag or mixed with dried fruit for a fast trail mix. We love tossing them into our morning oatmeal, on yogurt, and onto green salads. Of course, using pecans in granola and energy bars is only natural.
  • Local: Of all the major tree nuts eaten in the US, pecans are the only onesindigenous to America! They were originally grown wild and enjoyed by Native Americans. Now they’re harvested in over a dozen Southern states.
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What’s in this energy bar recipe?

Why make an energy bar recipe at home instead of buying it? Well, it lets you control the ingredients so you know exactly what’s in it! They’re also slightly cheaper than store bought. The energy bars we like to make are similar to store bought Larabars. But our homemade version is about 2/3 less cost and you have ultimate control over the ingredients! Here’s what’s in them:

  • Pecans
  • Medjool dates
  • Oats
  • Chia seeds (gives a boost of protein, fiber and Omega 3s!)

How to make homemade energy bars

To make this energy bar recipe, you’ll need a large size food processor for blending the ingredients. Here are the basic steps:

  • In a food processor, blend together Medjool dates, pecans, oats, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon and salt until a sticky dough forms.
  • Press it into an even layer on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the bars for 30 minutes at 200 degrees, which helps to dry them out a bit and improves the texture so they’re not so sticky.
  • Cut them into bars that are 3 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide.
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Are they kid friendly?

YES. our toddler Larson is SO into these! They’re a great kid friendly snack that’s also naturally vegan and gluten free. Here are a few photos of him gnawing on these pecan energy bars. (Where did our baby go?)

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Looking for pecan recipes?

The pecan is one of our favorite nuts and we love working it into recipes! Here are a few of our favorite pecan recipes:

  • Candied Pecans
  • Glazed Pecans
  • Toasted Homemade Breakfast Cereal
  • Pumpkin Pecan Baked Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Carrot Cake Breakfast Cookies
  • Acai Bowl Recipe…with pecan topping!
  • Healthy Maple Pecan Granola

This energy bar recipe is…

Vegetarian, gluten free, vegan, plant based, dairy free, refined sugar free, and naturally sweet.

Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (10)

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Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (11)

Homemade Energy Bar Recipe

★★★★★4.4 from 9 reviews
  • Author: Sonja
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 14 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This homemade energy bar recipe is the perfect wholesome snack! It’s naturally sweet, featuring oats, chia seeds, and pecans.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)*
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • ½ cup gluten free oats
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200F.
  2. Remove the pits from the dates with your fingers (they come right out!). Place the dates in the food processor and process or pulse until they are mainly chopped and a rough texture forms. Then add the remaining ingredients and process for a minute or so until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Line a baking sheet or jelly roll pan with parchment paper. Dump the dough into the center of the parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it into a rectangle that is 6” x 10.5”. Cut the dough into 14 bars that are 1.5” x 3”. (You don’t have to be as precise as we were, but we found it was easiest for cutting uniform bars!)
  4. Bake the bars for 30 minutes (this step helps to make the texture more dry and less sticky). Cool the bars to room temperature, then store refrigerated in a sealed container between sheets of wax paper. If you’d like to package them for on the go snacking, cut out 4” x 6” rectangles of wax paper, wrap them around the bars, and secure them with tape. Stays good for 1 month refrigerated (or more, but they may not last that long!).

Notes

* We recommend using Medjool dates: they’re a large, tender and sweet variety of dates that create the perfect texture for these bars. They’re available at most grocery stores; many times they are in the bulk or produce section, or packaged in the dried fruit section.

  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Food Processor
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Pecans, Pecan Bar, Larabar, Homemade Larabar, Energy Bar, Pecan Energy Bar, Superfood Bar, Healthy Snack, Healthy Pecan Bar, Healthy Granola Bar, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Snacks for Travel, Kid Friendly, Kid Foods, Kid Approved

Last updated: January 2020

vegan vegetarian gluten free

Published on / Last updated on

Categorized In:

  • Recipes

Tagged with:

  • Chia Seeds
  • Cinnamon
  • Dairy-Free
  • Dates
  • Easy
  • For Kids
  • Gluten-Free Recipes
  • Granola Bars
  • Medjool Dates
  • Oats
  • Pecans
  • Plant-Based
  • Simple
  • snack
  • Vanilla
  • Vegan Recipes
  • Vegetarian Recipes

About the authors

Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (12)

Sonja & Alex

Hi, we’re Alex and Sonja Overhiser, married cookbook authors, food bloggers, and recipe developers. We founded A Couple Cooks to share fresh, seasonal recipes for memorable kitchen moments! Our recipes are made by two real people and work every time.

About Us

Pecan Energy Bar Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How to tell when pecan bars are done? ›

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 to 32 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. Pecan pie bars are ready when the center is set. It's okay if it jiggles just a little bit in the center, but the edges should be set. Cool completely for about 2 to 3 hours before slicing.

What makes energy bars stick together? ›

Honey – Along with the nut butter, it helps all these ingredients stick together! I love its warm amber flavor in this recipe. Vanilla extract – It amps up the bars' warm flavor.

What flavor goes well with pecan? ›

Rich and buttery pecans add crunch and depth of flavor to many dishes. They pair wonderfully with our favorite autumnal flavors—like maple syrup, bourbon, chocolate, and even sweet potatoes—and are the perfect snack regardless of whether they're raw or toasted.

What is the difference between energy bars and granola bars? ›

One primary difference between granola bars and energy bars is their protein levels. Regular granola bars contain approximately 1 g of protein per bar. Energy bars, on the other hand, may contain 10 to 20 g of protein per serving. Common sources of energy bar protein include gelatin, collagen, milk, soy or eggs.

Why are my pecan bars runny? ›

Why Are My Pecan Pie Bars Runny? If your bars are runny, it's likely because they weren't baked long enough or the oven temperature wasn't hot enough. You need to ensure that the bars are in the oven long enough (at the right temperature) to allow the filling to set up properly.

How long do you let pecans dry? ›

Because pecans often contain lots of moisture when they first fall, they'll need to dry. Pecans are laid in a shallow sheet layer and dried in a warm space for around two weeks. You can use fans or heat to help speed the process up.

What should be avoided in energy bars? ›

The more additives you see — particularly excess sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), which can cause gastric distress — the less likely the bar is to deserve the “healthy” moniker. Palm oils, soy protein isolate and so-called natural flavors are also red flags.

What should an energy bar have? ›

If you're eating it as a meal replacement, look for a product that has at least 300 calories and 10 grams of protein per bar. This will provide ample calories, carbohydrates and protein to help maintain energy and blood sugar levels throughout the day. Look for how much fat and sugar it contains.

How long do homemade energy bars last? ›

Kept dry and tightly wrapped, these energy bars will keep at room temperature for weeks, months even. Just don't let them get too hot in your car or wherever, because they will melt, just like any other energy bar.

Why do my pecans taste bad? ›

Store pecans in cool, dry places away from heat: Because pecans contain such a high amount of healthy, plant-based oils, they are prone to going rancid if they spend too long in warm temperatures.

Why do my pecans taste bitter? ›

Pecans have two sources of bitterness -- naturally occurring tannins in the kernel and pieces of corky material from the inside of the nut which can adhere to the kernel. Some of the tannin and all of the corky material can be removed by washing the kernels before cooking.

What is the most popular pecan? ›

Stuart Pecans

This variety has generously sized nuts and is one of the most common pecan species. It has a classic taste with a slight sweetness and firm texture, pairing well with savory recipes like cheese balls and charcuterie boards. Stuart pecans grow well farther north than other pecan types.

Is it OK to eat energy bars everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

How many energy bars can you eat in a day? ›

One or two protein bars a day are well within the recommended intake. But remember: the more protein-rich fruit and nut bars you eat, the more calories you're getting – something to bear in mind if you want to stick to a balanced diet.

Which is better protein bar or energy bar? ›

Protein bars can be used as a meal replacement or even as a snack in between meals, in addition to their typical use as a post-workout recovery food. On the other hand, energy bars usually perform best as nutritious mid-meal snacks or as a pre-workout pick-me-up.

Is pecan pie still jiggly when done? ›

jiggle in the center when it's ready to take out of the. oven. If it's still liquid-like in the middle, it's too soon.

Can you overcook a pecan pie? ›

Yes, you can overcook a pecan pie.

A pecan pie is likely overcooked or has been in the oven too long if the top turns black or the filling starts to crack. Overbaking your pie can make it sticky or crunchy, causing the filling to become tough, hard, and difficult to eat.

How jiggly should pecan pie be when done? ›

You will know your pecan pie is done cooking when you can gently shake the pie dish and see that the center of the pie is not overly jiggly and the outer edges are set. If the pie jiggles a lot when you gently shake the pan, continue cooking it until the center is a little more set.

What temperature should a pecan pie be when it's done? ›

You want to cook pecan pie to an internal temperature of 200°F. Use a digital thermometer to make this easy.

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