Go Back
+ servings
Stacked pecan bars with glossy caramel filling and crunchy nut topping

Easy Vegan Pecan Bars

Easy Vegan Pecan Bars made with a buttery shortbread crust and a rich caramel-style pecan topping. These plant-based bars are egg-free, corn syrup–free, and slice beautifully for sharing.
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy Vegan Pecan Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 2 c all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 c granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3/4 c vegan butter cold and cubed

Pecan Topping

  • 1 1/2 c brown sugar
  • 2/3 c brown rice syrup
  • 3 tbs non-dairy milk
  • 3 tbs vegan butter melted
  • 3 tbs cornstarch
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 c pecans coarsely chopped
  • Optional: coarse salt for topping

Instructions

Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold vegan butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly into the bottom to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside while preparing the topping.

Prepare the Pecan Topping

  • In the same mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, brown rice syrup, non-dairy milk, melted vegan butter, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans.
  • Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the partially baked crust. Use a spatula to spread the topping evenly across the surface.

Bake and Set

  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pecan topping is bubbling and appears set around the edges. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to fully set.
  • Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and slice into squares using a sharp knife. For cleaner cuts, trim the outer edges if desired.

Notes

To make these Easy Vegan Pecan Bars gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. Ensure that the cornstarch, brown rice syrup, vanilla extract, and all other ingredients are certified gluten free to avoid cross-contamination.