Unjunked Pecan Pie Bars (Unjunked Holiday Treat - Day 5 of 12)
Day 5: Unjunked Pecan Pie Bars
All the Flavor, None of the Corn Syrup
If pecan pie is one of your non-negotiable holiday desserts, you’re not alone. It’s rich, nostalgic, and usually the first thing to disappear from the dessert table.
It’s also traditionally loaded with corn syrup and refined sugar, which is exactly why so many people feel off after eating it.
That’s where this recipe comes in.
These Unjunked Pecan Pie Bars keep everything you love about classic pecan pie, the gooey filling, the crunchy pecans, the deep caramel-like sweetness, while swapping out ultra-processed ingredients for simple, real food.
No corn syrup.
No refined sugar.
No food dyes or mystery ingredients.
Just dates, nuts, and coconut doing what they do best.
Why This Version Works
Instead of relying on corn syrup to create that sticky-sweet filling, this recipe uses dates to naturally thicken and sweeten the bars. Dates bring fiber, minerals, and a deep caramel flavor that works beautifully with pecans.
The crust is made from cashews, dates, and coconut, creating a naturally sweet, sturdy base that holds together without flour or added sugar.
The result?
A dessert that’s rich and satisfying, but doesn’t leave you with a sugar crash or regret.
Unjunked Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
For the crust
1½ cups cashews, soaked in water for 1 hour and drained
1 cup pitted dates
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
For the filling
¾ cup water
1 cup pitted dates
1½ cups pecans, coarsely chopped
For topping
About ½ cup whole pecans
Instructions
Prepare the crust - Add the soaked cashews, dates, and shredded coconut to a food processor. Process until the mixture sticks together when pressed. Firmly press into a lined baking pan to form the crust.
Make the filling - In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water and dates. Cook, stirring frequently, until thickened and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped pecans.
Assemble - Pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust. Top with whole pecans.
Bake - at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, until set.
Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Serving & Storage Tips
These bars firm up as they cool, so be patient, it’s worth it.
Store in the refrigerator for a denser, chewier texture.
They freeze beautifully, making them perfect for holiday prep ahead of time.
Day 5 of the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats 🎄
This Unjunked Pecan Pie Bars recipe is Day 5 of the 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats.
Over the next 7 days, I’ll be sharing:
Healthier versions of classic holiday desserts
Simple swaps you can actually stick with
Short videos for each recipe on Instagram and Facebook
If you want all 12 recipes in one place, you can grab the free 12 Days of Unjunked Holiday Treats PDF here, which includes every recipe in this series.
If you missed Previous Days, start here with:
Michelle Walker
a mom, former educator, and the founder of Unjunk America - a movement dedicated to helping families ditch processed foods, decode food labels, and reconnect with real food. With a warm, no-judgment approach, Michelle empowers parents to make simple, sustainable changes in their kitchens, one meal at a time.
Learn more or join the movement at UnjunkAmerica.com.
