Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Bars – A Decadent Cowboy Week Dessert
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!You know that feeling when you want to bring something special to a gathering? Maybe it’s a dinner party with friends, a weekend family meal, or a cozy night in, and you need a dessert that’s easy to make but still feels indulgent. Something gluten-free, plant-based, and delicious—without sacrificing flavor or that rich, buttery pecan pie nostalgia.
That’s exactly where these Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Bars come in. They offer all the classic warmth, crunch, and sweetness of traditional pecan pie, but in an easier-to-make, no-fuss bar form, perfect for someone like me who only bakes when the recipe is easy!
Whether you’re planning your Cowboy Week menu or just need a simple treat to share, these bars will become your new go-to dessert.
Picture This: A Western-Inspired Feast
You’ve just finished an incredible cowboy-style meal—maybe you made my Bison Burgers with Bourbon Caramelized Onions or a Cast-Iron Rib Eye with Cowboy Butter, paired with a side of Skillet Corn with Smokey Butter. The table is set, the conversation is flowing, and now, it’s time for dessert. You pull out a platter of pecan bars, and your guests take their first bite—the crunch of the pecans, the caramel-like sweetness, the rich, nutty crust. And they love them.
That’s the moment I want you to experience.
The Perfect Wine Pairing: Sauternes
If you’re like me, you love a good wine pairing. When I first started learning about wine, I thought dessert wines were overly sweet and heavy. Then I discovered Sauternes, a golden-hued dessert wine from Bordeaux, and everything changed.
This wine has honeyed notes of apricot, caramel, and spice, making it the perfect pairing for these nutty, caramelized pecan bars. And the best part? It pairs beautifully with the entire Cowboy Week meal—including bison burgers, ribeye, and skillet corn.
You don’t have to splurge on Château d'Yquem to enjoy a great Sauternes. Look for more affordable bottles from Château Guiraud or Clos Haut-Peyraguey. Serve it well-chilled in a small glass like a Riedel Port Glass, or if you want to go all out, a Riedel Sauternes Glass.
How to Make Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Bars
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups oat flour
½ cup almond flour
⅓ cup maple syrup
⅓ cup coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Topping:
1 ½ cups pecans, roughly chopped
1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and soaked
⅓ cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond butter
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a bowl, mix oat flour, almond flour, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and salt until a dough forms. Press into the prepared dish and bake for 12 minutes. I sometimes cut the parchment to fit the baking dish, spread the crust on the paper, and then put it in the baking dish.
Prepare the filling: Blend soaked dates, maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Assemble and bake: Spread the pecan mixture evenly over the crust. Bake for another 15-18 minutes until set.
Cool completely before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature. It’s very important to make sure the bars are cooled completely before slicing.
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Setting the Scene: Creating a Cowboy-Inspired Tablescape
If you’re hosting a Western-inspired dinner, why not go all in on the details? Here are a few items that will elevate your entertaining game:
Antique Metal Tray—I LOVE my antique metal tray from Pottery Barn! I use it all year round for serving cocktails and wine. It’s pretty at Christmas with candles and greenery, too.
Vintage Enamel Salad Bowls—I have these huge bowls, and they are great for salads or tossing in crab or clam shells after a delicious feast. They also make great all-purpose bowls in your RV!
Stemless Wine Glasses—These Anthropology glasses are so gorgeous! They're perfect for enjoying a glass of wine while watching the sunset.
Rustic Linen Napkins – I love these checked napkins from Sundance. They’d be perfect for a summer picnics, too!
Get the Recipe & Grocery List
Want the printable recipe and a handy grocery list? Sign up for The Lush Letter, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!
Final Thoughts
Food isn’t just about ingredients—it’s about stories, memories, and experiences. Whether you’re making these Gluten-Free Vegan Pecan Bars for your family, a dinner party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, I hope this recipe helps you create a moment that feels special.
Tell me—who will you be making these for? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers,
Courtney
