This gluten-free and vegan No Bake Chocolate Pecan Bars recipe is simple and decadent. Only a few, simple ingredients are needed to enjoy this healthy, chocolate treat.

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Easy no-bake treats like these Chocolate Pecan Bars are perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth. We also love this Chocolate Chip Freezer Fudge and these Coconut Chocolate Macaroons for yummy no-bake chocolate goodness. Check out all of our Healthy Chocolate Treats for inspiration.

IN THIS POST: Everything you need to make No Bake Chocolate Pecan Bars

Ingredients

pecans
oats – use certified gluten-free for allergies
dates
peanut butter – natural drippy peanut butter works best!
maple syrup
chocolate chips
coconut oil

This healthier dessert is made without corn syrup and refined brown sugar. The dates give us the caramel taste and you will love the chocolate and pecan flavors together. Every bite is heaven!

We also love that you don’t need your oven! No bake is our favorite way to make treats. So easy.

Instructions for this recipe

First, line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.

Second, add pecans and oats to a food processor.

Pulse until the nuts are pulverized and the oats are like flour.

Third, add the dates, peanut butter, and maple syrup to the food processor and process again until it starts to form a sticky dough. It should stick together when you pinch it between your fingers.

This takes about 2 minutes.

sticky pecan bar dough in a food processor.

Press the mixture into the prepared pan and place it in the freezer.

I use a flat spatula and really press it in well so the bars don’t crumble.

pecan bar base pressed into a baking dish.

Meanwhile, make the chocolate topping!

In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, add the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Stir until the chips have melted and the mixture is smooth.

Next, take the pecan and oat crust out of the freezer and pour the melted chocolate evenly over the top.

Spread it with a knife to make it even.

chocolate topping spread on top of the pecan base.

Finally, sprinkle the top with a handful of chopped pecan halves and place it back in the freezer to set.

Your prep is done! Just slice them up when they are firm.

chopped pecans sprinkled on top of the bars.

FAQs, Tips, and Substitutions

How many calories are in a chocolate pecan bar? When they are cut into 16 each bar has 225 calories.
Use a flat spatula to press the bottom crust layer down really well into the baking pan to avoid crumbly bars.
Remember to use natural peanut butter as the oils work best for holding the bars together. You could also use almond butter or even pecan butter instead of peanut butter. Any nut butter works in this recipe as long as it is natural.
Substitute another natural sweetener such as honey instead of maple syrup.
Add a drop of vanilla extract to the date mixture for some added flavor!
Store in the freezer or fridge in a sealed container or wrapped tightly in foil for up to a week.

More healthy no bake recipes

*This recipe was originally posted on August 18, 2016, updated on June 4, 2019, and updated again on October 18, 2022, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.*

If you’ve tried our Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

Be sure to follow me on social media! I love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂

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