Pecan Pie Bar

These Pecan Pie Bars are a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a delicious crust made with coconut oil and spelt flour, a flavorful apricot filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. The combination of sweet apricots, toasted pecans, and aromatic spices creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. These bars are not only delicious but also dairy-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 100 grams melted coconut oil
• 50 grams panela sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 150 grams white spelt flour

For the filling:

• 5 ripe apricots, thinly sliced
• 50 grams panela sugar
• 15 grams white spelt flour
• Juice from half a lemon
• A pinch of smoked salt

For the streusel topping:

• 50 grams old-fashioned oats
• 70 grams panela sugar
• 30 grams white spelt flour
• 50 grams coconut oil
• 80 grams toasted pecans, crushed

Instructions:

1. Prepare the crust:

• In a bowl, combine white spelt flour, panela sugar, and salt.
• Add melted coconut oil and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Press the mixture into a baking pan and bake at 150ºC (300F) for 12-15 minutes.
• Allow the crust to cool.

1. Prepare the filling:

• In a separate bowl, mix sliced apricots with lemon juice, flour, salt, and spices.
• Pour the apricot mixture over the baked crust.

1. Make the streusel topping:

• Combine oats, panela sugar, white spelt flour, coconut oil, and crushed toasted pecans in a bowl.
• Cover the apricot filling with the streusel topping.

1. Bake the bars:

• Increase the oven temperature to 175ºC (350F) and bake the bars for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.

1. Serve and enjoy:

• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them into squares.
• Serve the pecan pie bars with some dairy-free ice cream for a delightful treat.

Tips:

• Make sure to evenly spread the crust mixture in the baking pan to ensure an even base for the filling.
• Adjust the sweetness of the filling according to your taste preferences and the natural sweetness of the apricots.
• Be careful not to overbake the bars to prevent them from becoming too dry. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
• Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting them to ensure clean slices and prevent crumbling.