Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that everyone will love. These bars feature a delicious pecan and oat crumble crust, filled with a creamy fudge filling, and topped with festive Easter m&m’s and sprinkles. Perfect for family gatherings, brunches, or as a sweet surprise during the holiday season, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious bars ready in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate and colorful m&m’s makes these bars appealing to both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Treat: Whether for Easter celebrations or everyday snacking, these goody bars fit any occasion.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to swap in your favorite nuts or chocolates to make this recipe your own!
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into small squares for easy serving at parties or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment will help you create the perfect Easter Goody Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is ideal for creating the right thickness for your bars while ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Saucepan: Perfect for melting your fudge filling evenly while keeping an eye on it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these tasty Easter Goody Bars:
- 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
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. If using tin foil, remember to spray it lightly with cooking spray as well.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
quick oats
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
salt
melted butter
chopped pecans
Stir together until the mixture resembles wet sand and is crumbly.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Measure out 1½ cups of the crumble mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan firmly to form an even crust.
Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
sweetened condensed milk
chocolate chips
butter
Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. Once combined, remove from heat and pour over the crust in the baking pan.
Step 5: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the chocolate filling. Gently press in the Easter pastel m&m’s and any optional sprinkles into the crumble.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20–23 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the sides of the pan when done. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be careful not to overbake; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool.
Now you’re ready to enjoy these festive 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 festive gathering or simply indulging at home, these bars can bring joy to any occasion.
Individual Servings
- Serve each bar on a colorful dessert plate for a festive touch.
- Pair with whipped cream for added creaminess and texture.
Dessert Platter
- Arrange multiple bars on a large platter for guests to share.
- Add fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color.
Packaging as Gifts
- Wrap individual bars in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon.
- Perfect for Easter gifts or party favors!
Ice Cream Topping
- Crumble pieces of the bars over vanilla ice cream.
- This adds a delightful crunch and chocolatey flavor.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Make sure your butter and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the crumble mixture, mix just until combined to maintain texture.
- Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting them to ensure clean edges.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking; they should be golden brown but not overdone.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complete your celebration. Consider these options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your dessert table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the creamy fudge filling in the bars.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the bars nicely.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch and echo chocolate flavors.
- Mini Carrot Cakes: Another sweet treat that celebrates the season beautifully.
- Spring Vegetable Salad: Light greens with a citrus dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the bars.
- Pecan Pie Bites: Small bites that continue the nutty theme from the bars while offering variety.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing drinks that will keep everyone cool and happy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Goody Bars, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the crust prep: Ensure you press the crumble mixture firmly into the pan. This creates a solid base that holds everything together.
- Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on them as they bake. The edges should pull away slightly, but they will continue cooking as they cool.
- Not using enough chocolate: Be generous with your chocolate filling! A rich layer enhances the overall flavor of your Easter Goody Bars.
- Neglecting to cool properly: Letting the bars cool for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This helps them set and makes cutting easier.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Precision matters in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy to achieve the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes for a fresh taste.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easter Goody Bars that may help you perfect your recipe.
What are Easter Goody Bars?
Easter Goody Bars are delicious dessert bars made with a pecan and oat crumble crust, filled with creamy fudge, and topped with colorful m&m candies.
Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts or swap chocolate chips for white or dark chocolate for variety.
How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done?
The edges will start pulling away from the pan. Avoid overbaking; let them cool completely before cutting.
Can I use other candies instead of m&m’s?
Yes! Feel free to use any candy you like, such as jellybeans or chopped chocolate bars, to match your preferences.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are not only delightful but also versatile. They make a perfect treat for spring gatherings or as a sweet snack any time of year. Feel free to customize them with your favorite candies or nuts, making each batch uniquely yours!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are a festive delight that brings springtime joy to any gathering. These scrumptious dessert bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust, a rich and creamy fudge filling, and eye-catching pastel Easter m&m’s on top. Perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet surprise during the holiday season, these bars are not only quick to prepare but also easy to customize with your favorite nuts and chocolates. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this simple yet irresistible treat that captures the spirit of spring!
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 milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Easter pastel m&m's
- Optional: Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
- Set aside 1½ cups of the crumble mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter together until smooth. Pour this fudge filling over the crust in the baking pan.
- Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the fudge filling and gently press in the pastel m&m's.
- Bake for about 20–23 minutes or until the edges pull away slightly from the pan. Allow cooling for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
