Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime delight! These bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust, a rich creamy fudge filling, and a fun topping of colorful Easter M&M candies and sprinkles. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat for family, these bars combine flavor and festive appeal, making them a must-try recipe this season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chocolate, pecans, and oats creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Festive Touch: Topped with Easter M&M’s and sprinkles, these bars add a pop of color to your dessert table.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations, potlucks, or even as an everyday snack.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be made in advance, allowing you to save time during busy holiday preparations.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Easter Goody Bars successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking process is smooth and efficient.
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: Provides the perfect size for the bars to bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
- Saucepan: Used for melting the fudge filling smoothly without burning.
Ingredients
Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! A pecan and oat crumble mixture for the crust is filled with a creamy fudge filling, topped with more crumble and Easter M&M candy and sprinkles.
For the Crust
- 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
For the Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips OR semi-sweet
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Topping
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
- Easter sprinkles, optional
How to Make Easter Goody Bars
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. You may also choose to line it with aluminum foil and spray the foil lightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
1. Quick oats
2. All-purpose flour
3. Brown sugar
4. Salt
5. Melted butter
6. Chopped pecans
Stir 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 for later use. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
1. Sweetened condensed milk
2. Chocolate chips
3. Butter
Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth mixture. Once melted, remove from heat and pour this fudge filling over your pressed crust.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Take your reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the fudge filling evenly. Then add in your colorful M&M’s and any optional sprinkles by gently pressing them into the crumble layer.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. Watch closely; you want the edges to pull slightly away from the pan but avoid overbaking! Once done, let cool for 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. The cooling time helps them set up perfectly!
Enjoy your delicious Easter Goody Bars at family gatherings or as an everyday treat!
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can be paired with different accompaniments for an enhanced experience.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice that complements the rich fudge filling.
- Mint chocolate chip: A refreshing twist that adds a hint of minty flavor.
As a Sweet Breakfast Treat
- Drizzle with maple syrup: Adds sweetness and pairs well with the pecan crumble.
- Serve with fresh fruit: Berries or sliced bananas for a balanced breakfast.
With Coffee or Tea
- Brewed coffee: The bitterness balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Herbal tea: A light option that enhances the dessert experience without overpowering it.
As Party Favors
- Cut into smaller squares: Perfect for sharing as bite-sized treats at gatherings.
- Package in clear bags: Tie with colorful ribbons for a festive touch.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps the butter mix evenly, creating a smoother texture in your filling.
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the edges; they should be slightly pulled away from the pan but not browned.
- Cool completely before cutting: Letting the bars sit allows them to firm up, making them easier to slice.
- Add extra toppings: More m&m’s or sprinkles on top before baking can enhance visual appeal and flavor.
- Store correctly: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
- Experiment with flavors: Try using different types of chocolate chips or nuts for unique variations.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
When serving Easter Goody Bars, consider complementing them with some delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the bars.
- Mini Quiches: Savory quiches provide a delightful contrast to sweet treats, perfect for brunch gatherings.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can offer savory bites alongside the sweet goody bars.
- Spring Salad: Light greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette create a refreshing side dish.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These sweet treats echo the dessert theme while adding elegance to your table.
- Carrot Sticks and Hummus: A healthy crunchy option that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Goody Bars, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
-
Using the wrong butter: Always use salted butter as it adds flavor and richness to the bars. Unsalted butter can lead to bland results.
-
Overmixing the crumble: If you mix the crumble too much, it can become tough. Just stir until it resembles wet sand for a perfect texture.
-
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precise measurements are key for success. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right amounts.
-
Skipping cooling time: Patience is important! Let the bars cool completely before cutting them. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
-
Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on them while baking. They should be slightly golden around the edges but still soft in the middle when done.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
- They can last up to one week in the fridge.
- Place parchment paper between layers for easy removal.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
-
Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
-
Microwave: Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up; be careful not to overheat.
-
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Easter Goody Bars, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use different nuts in Easter Goody Bars?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when my bars are done baking?
Look for slightly pulled edges from the pan and a light golden color on top.
Can I add more candy toppings?
Absolutely! Customize your bars with your favorite candies or seasonal treats for extra fun!
What is the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife after they have cooled completely. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts to keep edges clean.
Can I make these Easter Goody Bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are an irresistible treat perfect for spring celebrations. Their combination of creamy fudge filling and crunchy crumble makes them delightful. You can easily customize these bars with your favorite candies or toppings, making them versatile for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime dessert that combines a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust with a luscious creamy fudge filling, all topped with colorful Easter M&M candies and sprinkles. These delightful bars are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a special treat for family, making them a must-try recipe this season. The combination of textures and flavors creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Easy to prepare, these bars can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy stress-free celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups quick oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. 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 of the mixture for topping; press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the fudge filling over the crust and top with reserved crumble mixture. Sprinkle M&M's on top.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges pull away from the pan. Cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting.
- 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: 105mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
