Chocolate And Pecan Bars
Chocolate and Pecan Bars offer a rich, decadent treat with a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth chocolate layer, and a topping of toasted pecans and coconut. Perfect for dessert gatherings or satisfying a sweet tooth, they combine nutty, chocolaty flavors in an easy-to-make bar format.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt.
- Add margarine; cut in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in one beaten egg.
- Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat sweetened condensed milk, cocoa, remaining egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the baked crust.
- Sprinkle coconut flakes and pecans over the top.
- Bake for another 25 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into about 24 bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder in place of regular cocoa. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that your margarine is softened for easier mixing, and for a little extra texture, chop the pecans coarsely before adding them.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate and pecan bars are perfect for dessert or as a sweet snack. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra special touch, serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also try them with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast. They make a delightful addition to any gathering or picnic.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate and pecan bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate And Pecan Bars contains roughly 259 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to let them cool completely before cutting and storing them in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together, making them even more delicious the next day.
What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
If you need a substitute, you can use a mixture of evaporated milk and sugar. Combine 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 1/4 cups of sugar, and heat gently until the sugar dissolves. This will provide a similar sweetness and creaminess to your bars.
Can I add other ingredients to these bars?
Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking. Just be mindful of the overall balance of wet and dry ingredients to maintain the right texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).