Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are an ideal springtime treat! These delightful bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust, a rich creamy fudge filling, and a festive topping of more crumble, colorful Easter m&m’s, and sprinkles. Perfect for Easter celebrations, family gatherings, or just a sweet indulgence, these bars will win over all ages with their delicious flavors and fun presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Their rich fudge filling and colorful toppings make them a hit at any gathering or holiday celebration.
- Versatile Treat: You can easily customize the toppings to match your preferences or seasonal themes.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your festivities without stress.
- Kid-Friendly: The fun colors and textures make these bars appealing to children, making them an excellent choice for family events.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Easter Goody Bars effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for creating evenly baked bars that are easy to cut into portions.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized while mixing.
- Saucepan: A good quality saucepan ensures even melting of chocolate and other fillings without burning.
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.
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 could also use tin foil lined with cooking spray for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir 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 mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust.
Step 4: Make the Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. Once melted, remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the chocolate filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture on top of the chocolate layer. Add in your Easter m&m’s and any sprinkles you desire by gently pressing them into the crumble.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. Look for edges that pull slightly away from the pan as an indicator they’re done. Allow cooling for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Remember not to overbake; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool!
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family dinner, these bars can be served with flair.
With Fresh Fruit
- Add slices of strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi on the side for a refreshing contrast to the sweet bars.
Accompanied by Ice Cream
- Serve warm Easter Goody Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a platter with other treats like cookies and cakes for a beautiful dessert display.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Offer these bars alongside your favorite coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and chocolate chips, are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the crust mixture, mix just until crumbly to maintain texture.
- Cool properly: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on the edges; they should pull slightly away from the pan when done.
- Store correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to customize with different candy or nuts based on your preferences!
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars pair well with various side dishes that complement their sweetness. Here are some great options to consider.
- Spring Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, strawberries, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like carrots and asparagus roasted with olive oil provide savory balance.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs offer a creamy texture that pairs nicely with sweet treats.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can enhance flavors and provide variety alongside dessert.
- Fruit Skewers: Colorful fruit skewers make for an appealing and healthy addition to your spread.
- Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches add richness and variety, making them perfect companions to sweet bars.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites are a delightful way to tie in more chocolate flavor!
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with veggies can serve as a hearty side dish that complements sweetness beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Goody Bars, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to steer clear of.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can affect the texture and taste. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Overmixing the crumble mixture: Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Mix just until combined for a perfect crumbly texture.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into the bars too soon can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for better slicing.
- Using ungreased pans: Not greasing your pan can cause the bars to stick. Always spray your baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Ignoring oven temperatures: Baking at incorrect temperatures can result in uneven baking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
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 place them in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on low power in 10-15 second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Easter Goody Bars.
What are Easter Goody Bars?
Easter Goody Bars are delicious dessert bars made with a pecan oat crumble topped with creamy fudge filling, m&m’s, and sprinkles.
Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?
Yes! You can swap out chocolate chips for white chocolate or add your favorite nuts or dried fruits for variation.
How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done?
The edges should pull away slightly from the pan. They may look soft, but they will continue to set as they cool.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day before serving and store them in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that brings joy and sweetness to any gathering. With their versatile filling options and colorful toppings, they can easily be customized for different occasions. Try making them today and enjoy this comforting dessert!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime treat that combines crunchy pecan and oat crumble with a luscious creamy fudge filling, topped with vibrant Easter m&m’s and festive sprinkles. These delightful dessert bars are perfect for Easter celebrations, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet. With their easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, they are guaranteed to become a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm or chilled—either way, they offer an irresistible combination of textures and tastes. Make these colorful treats a part of your spring traditions!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups quick oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter (salted)
- 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
- Easter sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and pecans until crumbly.
- Set aside 1½ cups of the mixture for topping. Press the rest into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt together condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter until smooth.
- Pour the filling onto the crust. Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture on top and add m&m's and sprinkles.
- 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 (60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
