Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime treat, perfect for celebrations and gatherings. These delightful bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust, a creamy fudge filling, and a colorful topping of Easter M&M candies and sprinkles. They are not only visually appealing but also deliciously satisfying, making them an ideal dessert for Easter brunch or any festive occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars quickly.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of chocolate and nuts is a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Toppings: Customize your bars with different candies or add seasonal sprinkles for fun variations.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into small pieces, these bars are great for sharing at parties or potlucks.
- Deliciously Indulgent: The rich fudge center paired with the crumbly crust offers a delightful texture contrast.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Preparing your kitchen will help streamline the process of making these Easter Goody Bars.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for creating evenly baked bars that are easy to cut.
- Mixing bowls: Using multiple bowls allows you to keep your ingredients organized while mixing.
- Saucepan: A good saucepan ensures even melting of the fudge filling without scorching.
Ingredients
Easter Goody Bars require a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delightful dessert.
For the Crust and Filling
- 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 Fudge Layer
- 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 your 9×13 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can also use aluminum foil lined with cooking spray.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
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 your prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer.
Step 4: Prepare Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. Remove from heat once combined.
Step 5: Assemble Bars
Pour the melted fudge mixture over the crust in your baking pan. Evenly distribute the reserved crumble over this fudge layer. Sprinkle with Easter M&M’s and optional sprinkles. Gently press them into the crumble.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-23 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should pull slightly away from the edges of the pan when done. Allow to cool for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be careful not to overbake!
Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Easter Goody Bars! Perfect for sharing or treating yourself during this joyful season!
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or enjoying them at home, here are some fun serving suggestions.
With Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve with a side of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Sliced Bananas: Pair with fresh banana slices to add creaminess and sweetness.
Ice Cream Sundae Style
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each bar with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over the bars for a rich flavor enhancement.
As Part of a Dessert Platter
- Mixed Desserts: Include Easter Goody Bars on a platter with other treats like cookies, brownies, and cupcakes.
- Decorative Presentation: Use colorful plates and garnishes to make your dessert spread visually appealing.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a cup of coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up that balances the sweetness.
- Herbal Tea: Offer herbal tea for a lighter complement to the rich flavors of the bars.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To ensure your Easter Goody Bars are perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate chips to enhance the flavor.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove them when they start to pull away from the edges.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting; this helps maintain their shape.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to mix in different candies or nuts for variety; consider crushed caramel eggs for added flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container to maintain freshness and moisture.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Pairing side dishes with Easter Goody Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables add a savory touch that complements dessert nicely.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs bring protein and richness to your meal while keeping it festive.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides natural sweetness and serves as a palate cleanser.
- Cheese Platter: Include assorted cheeses for a savory contrast that pairs well with sweet desserts.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad adds variety; choose one with Italian dressing for brightness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easter Goody Bars, even small mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Not doing so can affect baking time and final texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. This ensures the right balance of flavors and textures in your bars.
- Overmixing the crumble: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough crust instead of a crumbly texture.
- Skipping cooling time: Allow the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Ignoring storage instructions: Store leftover bars correctly to maintain freshness. Using airtight containers prevents them from becoming stale.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- You can freeze them for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a single bar on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making Easter Goody Bars or have specific questions, this section will help you find answers.
Can I use different nuts in Easter Goody Bars?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for unique flavors.
What type of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use either milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips based on your personal preference.
How do I know when the Easter Goody Bars are done baking?
Look for edges that pull away slightly from the pan, but be cautious not to overbake them.
Can I add other toppings besides M&M’s?
Absolutely! Try adding chopped chocolate, coconut flakes, or even dried fruit for variety.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars are an irresistible treat perfect for spring gatherings. Their delicious layers of crumble and creamy filling create a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Plus, they’re customizable—try different toppings or mix-ins to make them your own!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime dessert that brings joy to any gathering. These delightful bars feature a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust layered with a rich, creamy fudge filling, all topped with vibrant Easter M&M candies and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for brunch or festive celebrations, these bars not only look amazing but also provide a satisfying treat that appeals to both kids and adults. With their combination of textures and flavors, they are sure to be a hit at your Easter festivities. Easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings, these Easter Goody Bars will quickly become a seasonal favorite in your home.
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 chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M's
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
- Set aside 1½ cups of the mixture for topping and press the rest into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour the fudge filling over the crust and sprinkle with reserved crumble mixture, M&M's, and optional sprinkles.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until slightly pulling away from edges. Let cool before cutting into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
