Irresistible Easy Gluten-Free Pecan Bars for the Holidays

Looking for a dessert that’s festive, allergy-friendly, and sure to impress everyone at the table? These Gluten-Free Pecan Bars are your answer. They capture all the indulgent flavor of traditional pecan pie with a fraction of the effort and bake time. Whether you’re preparing for a Thanksgiving feast, a Christmas gathering, or simply want to add another gem to your holiday baking list, this recipe delivers.

Rich, nutty, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, these bars are not only gluten-free, but also adaptable to dairy-free diets—making them one of the most inclusive and irresistible holiday gluten-free recipes you’ll find. And if you’re looking to build out your holiday dessert table, you’ll love pairing these with Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts or these adorable Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies.

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Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Pecan Bars

These bars are:

• Easy to make with pantry-staple ingredients
• Naturally sweetened and gluten-free
• Crowd-pleasing—even among non-gluten-free eaters
• Great for slicing and serving at parties or potlucks
• Make-ahead friendly, saving you stress during the holidays

If you’ve ever made Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies or Pumpkin Twists for a fall treat, this recipe will fit right in.

Who Are These Gluten-Free Pecan Bars Perfect For?

Whether you’re managing dietary restrictions or just want something foolproof and delicious, these bars are for:

• Celiacs or those with gluten sensitivities
• Holiday hosts who want a reliable make-ahead dessert
• Parents looking for allergy-conscious treats
• Bakers looking for easy but elegant sweet options

If you’ve been searching for the best gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts, this is it. These bars are just as welcome on a cookie platter next to Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Pumpkin Dump Cake.

Ingredients You’ll Need (With Full Measurements)

For the Almond Flour Crust:

• 2 cups almond flour
• ½ cup arrowroot starch
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup melted butter (or use a dairy-free substitute like coconut oil)
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Maple Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups chopped pecans
• ½ cup whole pecans (optional, for topping)

Using wholesome ingredients like almond flour and maple syrup gives these bars a naturally rich and flavorful base—similar to the ingredients used in Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Fat Bombs, another reader favorite.

Kitchen Tools & Equipment Checklist

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking dish (lined with parchment paper)
• 2 mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)

Want to simplify your breakfast prep too? Try these Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls while your bars bake.

How to Make Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Combine the almond flour, arrowroot, and salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla. Mix until a soft dough forms. Press evenly into a parchment-lined 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden around the edges.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup, arrowroot, salt, and vanilla. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top and add whole pecans if desired. Bake for 22–28 minutes until the filling is set.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. For clean cuts, refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.

Looking for more fall-friendly flavors? Pair these with Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls or a warm cup of Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gluten-Free Pecan Bars

• Underbaking the crust – It should be lightly golden before adding the filling
• Skipping the parchment paper – This makes removal clean and easy
• Not letting bars cool – Cutting while warm leads to messy slices
• Using low-quality maple syrup – Always go for pure maple syrup for best results

Want more dessert inspiration? Try these gooey Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars next time.

Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts

• Use fresh, raw pecans for the best flavor
• Chill bars overnight for easy slicing
• Serve with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free pairing
• Sprinkle sea salt on top for contrast

Round out your menu with comforting sides like Honey-Glazed Carrots and Green Beans or Scalloped Potatoes.

Delicious Variations: Make It Dairy-Free or Nut-Free

• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based butter
• Nut-Free: Try sunflower seed flour and use shredded coconut or pumpkin seeds instead of pecans
• Low Sugar: Use sugar-free maple syrup or cut the sweetener by one-third

You can also explore other allergen-friendly ideas like these No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls for a quick and healthy twist.

How to Store Gluten-Free Pecan Bars (Fridge & Freezer Tips)

• At room temperature: 2 days in an airtight container
• In the fridge: Up to 5 days
• In the freezer: Up to 2 months (slice first and separate layers with parchment)

Refrigerated or frozen, they make excellent make-ahead treats like our popular Pumpkin Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls.

Serving Suggestions for Holiday Parties

• Serve on a dessert tray alongside Pumpkin Truffles and Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
• Pair with herbal tea or Lavender Lemonade
• Top with a drizzle of coconut cream or maple glaze for extra flair

Hosting a Halloween event? Consider including Halloween Brownies for spooky fun.

Quick & Easy Celiac-Friendly Meal Ideas to Pair With

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and roasted veggies
• Vegetarian Pasta Primavera with garlic bread
• Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Stuffed Chicken and mashed potatoes

These ideas help you build a complete, gluten-free meal for any occasion.

More Holiday Gluten-Free Recipes You’ll Love

Expand your holiday baking list with these reader favorites:

• Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
• Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips
• Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups
• Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

Or check out the entire Dessert Recipe Archive for endless inspiration.

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FAQs About Gluten-Free Pecan Bars

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they’re actually better the next day after chilling.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Freeze for up to two months, then thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I make these without nuts?
Yes, but you’ll need a suitable nut-free replacement like pumpkin seeds or shredded coconut.

Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
You can, but it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts + Try This Recipe?

These Gluten-Free Pecan Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser for holiday dessert tables. Easy to bake, packed with flavor, and adaptable to many diets, they’re a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas celebration. Whether you’re prepping for a big family gathering or want a treat that travels well, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Enjoyed the recipe? Share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog for more amazing holiday and gluten-free desserts like Pumpkin Fluff Dip and Strawberry Cloud Cake.

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