Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that captures the spirit of spring! These bars feature a delicious pecan and oat crumble crust, filled with a creamy fudge center, and topped with festive Easter M&M candies and sprinkles. Perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet surprise during the holiday season, these bars offer a unique blend of textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these bars up in no time.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of chocolate, nuts, and chewy oats creates a rich taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations, but also great for potlucks, picnics, or just an afternoon snack.
- Festive Appearance: The colorful M&M toppings add a fun touch, making them visually appealing for any occasion.
- Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored, making them great for busy schedules.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, gather these essential tools. Each tool plays a crucial role in creating perfectly baked 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 perfect for creating the right thickness in your bars while ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps when combining dry ingredients separately from wet ones.
- Saucepan: Essential for melting chocolate and condensed milk into a smooth filling.
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
For Topping:
- 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 your 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Alternatively, you can use tin foil lined with cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl combine the following ingredients:
1. Measure out 1½ cups of quick oats.
2. Add 1½ cups of all-purpose flour.
3. Mix in 1 cup of brown sugar.
4. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt.
5. Pour in 1 cup of melted butter (use salted).
6. Stir in 1 cup of chopped pecans.
Combine until it resembles wet sand or a crumbly mixture.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Set aside 1½ cups of the crumble mixture. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
– 1 can of sweetened condensed milk,
– 1 cup of chocolate chips (either milk or semi-sweet),
– 2 tablespoons of butter.
Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth mixture. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the melted chocolate fudge filling over your crust evenly.
– Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it over the fudge layer.
– Add 1 cup of Easter pastel M&M’s on top along with any optional Easter sprinkles. Gently press them into the crumble layer.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. The edges will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan when done. Avoid overbaking as it’s difficult to tell with thick crumbles! After removing from oven, let cool for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars.
Enjoy your delicious 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 celebrating a holiday or just looking for a sweet snack, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Serve warm Easter Goody Bars with vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
- Add extra indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate sauce over each bar before serving.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or sliced bananas make a refreshing side that balances the sweetness of the bars.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and enhances the creamy fudge filling of the bars.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Include Easter Goody Bars on a dessert platter alongside cookies, brownies, and mini cupcakes for an inviting spread.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Let your butter and eggs come to room temperature for better mixing and texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Crust – Mix just until combined to keep the crust crumbly and enjoyable.
- Check for Doneness – Look for edges that pull away from the pan; they should be golden but not overly brown.
- Cool Completely Before Cutting – Allow bars to cool thoroughly to help them set properly before slicing.
- Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days for optimal freshness.
- Customize Toppings – Feel free to experiment with different types of M&M’s or sprinkles based on your preference!
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
When serving Easter Goody Bars, pairing them with complementary side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness.
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream – Creamy ice cream pairs wonderfully with the rich flavors of the bars.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries – These sweet treats provide an elegant touch and echo the chocolate in the bars.
- Mini Cheesecakes – Bite-sized cheesecakes offer variety and balance out the sweetness of the goody bars.
- Carrot Cake Bites – These spiced treats tie into Easter themes while providing a different flavor profile.
- Pistachio Pudding Cups – Creamy pudding cups add a fun texture contrast and beautiful color to your dessert table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easter Goody Bars can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Allowing the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes is crucial. If you cut them too soon, they may crumble and fall apart.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees. An incorrect temperature can lead to undercooked or burnt edges.
- Overmixing the Crumble Mixture: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough crust instead of a crumbly texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures in your bars.
- Using Old Ingredients: Make sure your baking ingredients, like flour and baking soda, are fresh. Old ingredients can affect the taste and rise of your Easter Goody Bars.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easter Goody Bars.
How do I make my Easter Goody Bars more festive?
You can add more colorful sprinkles or use different types of M&M’s to create a vibrant topping.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Easter Goody Bars?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour or dairy-free chocolate chips as alternatives.
What should I serve with Easter Goody Bars?
These bars pair nicely with coffee or milk, making them perfect for an afternoon treat.
How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done?
The edges will slightly pull away from the pan, but they may look soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are an irresistible treat that brings joy during the spring festivities. Their delightful combination of crunchy crumble, creamy filling, and festive toppings makes them versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize with your favorite candies or add extra nuts for a personal touch!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that combines the flavors of creamy fudge with a crunchy pecan and oat crumble. Topped with colorful Easter M&M candies and festive sprinkles, these bars are perfect for any celebration. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, they bring a unique blend of textures and flavors that will delight family and friends alike. Whether you’re hosting an Easter gathering or simply looking for a sweet snack, these bars are sure to impress!
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
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M's
- Optional: Easter sprinkles
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.
- Set aside 1½ cups of the mixture for topping. Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the fudge filling over the crust and sprinkle reserved crumble on top along with M&M's and optional sprinkles.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges pull away from the pan. Let cool before cutting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
