Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime delight! These bars combine a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust with a rich fudge filling, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Topped with colorful Easter M&M candies and sprinkles, they are not only visually appealing but also a hit at any gathering or celebration. Whether for Easter brunch or an after-school snack, these bars will be a cherished treat for all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, preparing these bars is hassle-free.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a rich flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for Easter celebrations, parties, or just a fun family treat.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored, making them great for busy schedules.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to mix in your favorite candies or nuts to make these bars uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating delicious Easter Goody Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and easy portioning of the bars.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Saucepan: Used for melting the fudge mixture, ensuring it’s smooth and creamy.
Ingredients
Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! A pecan and oat crumble mixture for the crust, filled with a creamy fudge filling, topped with more crumble and Easter M&M candy and sprinkles.
Ingredients:
– 1½ cups quick oats
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup brown sugar
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted (I use salted butter)
– 1 cup chopped pecans
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips OR semi-sweet
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
– Easter sprinkles, optional
How to Make Easter Goody Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. You can also line it with tin foil and spray the foil with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl combine the following:
1½ cups quick oats
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans
Stir together until the mixture resembles wet sand and becomes crumbly.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Measure out 1½ cups of the crumble mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared baking pan evenly to form the crust.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips OR semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter
Stir continuously until everything is melted together smoothly. Once combined, remove from heat and pour over the crust in the baking pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Evenly press the reserved crumble over the fudge layer. Sprinkle on:
1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
You can also add Easter sprinkles if desired, gently pressing them into the crumble layer.
Step 6: Bake
Cook in preheated oven for about 20–23 minutes. The edges should start pulling away from the pan slightly. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be careful not to overbake; they will continue to cook slightly as they cool. Enjoy your delicious Easter Goody Bars!
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can brighten up any spring gathering. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive celebrations.
With Coffee
- Pairing these bars with freshly brewed coffee enhances the sweet flavors, making it an ideal afternoon treat.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange Easter Goody Bars on a colorful platter alongside other desserts like cookies and brownies for a visually appealing dessert table.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top of a warm bar for an indulgent dessert experience.
For Easter Brunch
- Slice the bars into smaller pieces and serve them as part of your Easter brunch spread. They complement fruity dishes beautifully.
Gift in Treat Boxes
- Wrap individual bars in decorative paper or boxes to create charming gifts for guests to take home after your Easter gathering.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To create the best Easter Goody Bars, consider these helpful tips:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your butter, oats, and chocolate chips are fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
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Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the bars while they bake. Removing them when they’re just set will result in chewier bars.
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Customize Toppings: Feel free to swap out the m&m’s for other candies or nuts based on your preference or what you have on hand.
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Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before slicing. This helps them hold their shape better.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars pair nicely with various side dishes that enhance your festive meal. Here are some great options to consider:
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Spring Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, strawberries, and pecans adds freshness to your dessert table.
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Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are always a hit at gatherings, providing savory contrast to sweet treats.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables can balance the sweetness of the bars with their earthy flavors.
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Fruit Platter: A vibrant fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits offers a refreshing complement to the rich flavors of the bars.
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Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses can add variety, appealing to both savory and sweet tooths alike.
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Mini Quiches: These bite-sized savory quiches make for an excellent addition to any brunch spread alongside your sweet treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easter Goody Bars can be a fun experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking.
- Overmixing the crumble: Mix just until combined to achieve that perfect crumbly texture. Overmixing can make it dense instead of light.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. This ensures the right balance of flavors in your bars.
- Skipping the cooling time: Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting them. Cutting too soon can result in messy pieces.
- Using the wrong pan size: Stick to a 9×13 baking pan for best results. Using a different size can affect cooking time and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag.
- These bars can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Easter Goody Bars.
What are Easter Goody Bars?
Easter Goody Bars are delicious dessert squares made with a pecan and oat crumble base, filled with creamy fudge, and topped with festive m&m’s.
How do I customize my Easter Goody Bars?
You can add different types of chocolate chips or nuts according to your preference. Feel free to mix in dried fruits or other candies!
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to make gluten-free Easter Goody Bars without compromising taste.
How long do these bars last at room temperature?
Easter Goody Bars can be stored at room temperature for up to three days if kept in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are not only a delightful springtime treat but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them easily by adding your favorite candies or nuts. Try making these delicious bars today!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that everyone will adore! These bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust filled with a rich, creamy fudge center, topped with colorful Easter M&M candies and festive sprinkles. Perfect for any occasion, from Easter brunch to family gatherings, these bars are easy to make and even easier to love. Customize them to your taste by adding different candies or nuts for a personalized touch. With their vibrant appearance and delicious flavors, Easter Goody Bars are sure to be the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups quick oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Easter M&M's
- Optional: Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Set aside 1½ cups of the mixture for topping; press the rest into the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir until smooth and pour over the crust.
- Evenly distribute the reserved crumble on top of the fudge layer; add M&M's and sprinkles if using.
- Bake for about 20–23 minutes until edges are slightly pulling away from the pan. Cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
