Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! These delicious bars feature a pecan and oat crumble crust, a creamy fudge filling, and a delightful topping of more crumble along with colorful Easter M&M candies and sprinkles. They are ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence during the holiday season. The combination of textures and flavors makes these bars irresistible and a fun way to celebrate Easter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate, pecans, and oats creates a flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Festive Touch: The vibrant M&M’s and sprinkles give these bars a joyful appearance, making them perfect for any Easter celebration.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as dessert or as a sweet snack throughout the day—these bars fit any occasion!
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare these bars in advance for busy holiday gatherings; they store well and taste great!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this tasty recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having everything ready will make your baking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for even cooking and allows you to cut the bars into nice portions.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized while mixing different components of the recipe.
- Saucepan: A good saucepan is crucial for melting the fudge filling evenly without burning it.
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 your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. You can also use tin foil lined with cooking spray for easy removal later.
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 it resembles wet sand and is crumbly. Set aside 1½ cups of this mixture for topping later.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press the remaining crumble mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure to press down firmly to form an even crust.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
2 tablespoons butter
Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. Once melted, pour this fudge filling over your crust in the baking pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the fudge layer. Then add:
1 cup Easter pastel m&m’s
Gently press them into the top layer so they stick.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan when done. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be careful not to overbake; they continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delightful Easter Goody Bars!
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars offer versatility in serving options that will please everyone.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing touch.
- Pair with a fruit salad for a colorful and healthy side.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up.
- Pair with herbal tea for a soothing end to your meal.
Ice Cream Topping
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Use as a topping for yogurt, adding sweetness and texture.
Festive Platter
- Arrange on a decorative platter alongside other Easter treats for a festive display.
- Add some chocolate eggs or seasonal candies for extra flair.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the mixture blend more evenly, resulting in better texture.
- Don’t overmix the crumble: Mix just until combined to maintain the right crumbly texture.
- Cool completely before cutting: Allow the bars to cool fully to prevent them from falling apart when sliced.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be slightly pulled away from the pan when done.
- Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavor.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different types of chocolate chips for personal flair.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are delicious on their own but can be complemented by tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:
- Spring Salad: A mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed lightly can balance the sweetness of the bars.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic and easy-to-make, they add a savory element that pairs nicely with dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with herbs bring color and nutrition to your spread.
- Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses to contrast the sweetness of Easter Goody Bars.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad with fresh veggies is refreshing and complements sweets well.
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers add fun and healthfulness to your dessert table.
- Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches provide protein and pair beautifully with sweet treats like goody bars.
- Bread Rolls: Soft rolls can be served warm, offering a comforting addition alongside your desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Goody Bars, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool is crucial. Skipping this step may lead to messy bars that fall apart when cut.
- Overbaking the Bars: It’s hard to tell when they’re done due to the thick crumble. Pull them out when edges start to pull away from the pan for best results.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so be precise with your measurements. Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ones.
- Using Old Ingredients: Always check the freshness of your ingredients, especially baking powder and chocolate chips. Old ingredients can affect taste and texture.
- Ignoring Pan Prep: Failing to grease or line your baking pan can result in sticking. Make sure to use cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep your Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easter Goody Bars:
What are Easter Goody Bars?
Easter Goody Bars are delicious dessert bars made with a buttery oat crust, creamy fudge filling, and topped with colorful Easter m&m’s.
Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done?
Look for edges that slightly pull away from the pan and a golden brown color on top. Avoid overbaking!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that captures the joy of springtime gatherings. They offer plenty of room for customization, so feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings. Whether enjoyed at an Easter celebration or as everyday snacks, these bars are sure to please everyone!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that combines a buttery pecan and oat crumble crust with a rich, creamy fudge filling. Topped with colorful Easter M&M’s and festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet indulgence anytime. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting an Easter celebration or simply treating yourself, these bars are sure to brighten up your day.
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)
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly. Reserve 1½ cups for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter until melted and smooth. Pour over the crust.
- Sprinkle reserved crumble on top and add M&M's; gently press them into the mixture.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges are golden and slightly pull away from the pan. Allow cooling before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
