Easter Goody Bars
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime dessert! With a delicious pecan and oat crumble base, creamy fudge filling, and topped with colorful Easter M&M candies and sprinkles, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, hosting a spring gathering, or simply craving something sweet, these bars will delight everyone. Their rich flavor combined with a crunchy texture makes them a standout treat that is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal preparation time and simple steps, making it great for bakers of all levels.
- Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate chips and creamy fudge filling creates a delightful contrast with the crunchy crumble.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 36 servings per batch, Easter Goody Bars are ideal for parties or family gatherings.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for your favorite candies or add different sprinkles for a unique twist.
- Springtime Vibes: The cheerful colors from the M&Ms and sprinkles make these bars perfect for celebrating the season.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Easter Goody Bars, you will need some essential tools. These will help ensure that your baking goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spatula
- Cooking spray or parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This is the perfect size to create a thick layer of gooey goodness in your bars.
- Mixing bowls: Having various sizes lets you easily mix dry and wet ingredients without mess.
- Saucepan: A good-quality saucepan ensures even melting of ingredients like chocolate and butter, preventing burning.
Ingredients
Easter Goody Bars are made with simple yet delicious ingredients:
- 1陆 cups quick oats
- 1陆 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 陆 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted (I use salted butter)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips OR semi-sweet
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 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. Alternatively, line it with tin foil and spray the foil.
Step 2: Make the Crumble Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:
quick oats
all-purpose flour
brown sugar
salt
melted butter
chopped pecans
Stir together until the mixture resembles wet sand and feels crumbly.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Measure out 1陆 cups of the crumble mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining mixture into the prepared baking pan firmly to create an even crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Filling
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
sweetened condensed milk
chocolate chips
butter
Stir continuously until everything melts together smoothly. Remove from heat once fully melted.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over your crust in the baking pan. Then take your reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the chocolate layer. Add your Easter pastel M&M’s, gently pressing them into the crumble along with any optional sprinkles.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 20–23 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan when done. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour so that they can set properly. Remember not to overbake; they will continue cooking slightly after removal from heat!
Enjoy making these delightful 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 hosting a spring gathering or simply indulging on your own, these bars can be served in multiple fun styles.
With Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices of Easter Goody Bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a delicious contrast between hot and cold.
As Party Favors
- Cut the bars into smaller pieces and package them in festive bags. This makes for a great party favor that guests can take home.
For Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy Easter Goody Bars as a sweet breakfast item. Pair them with coffee or tea for a cozy morning start.
At Picnics
- These bars are perfect for outdoor events. Pack them alongside fruit and drinks for an easy picnic dessert.
With Whipped Cream
- Top the bars with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional Easter sprinkles for an extra special touch.
How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
To achieve the best results with your Easter Goody Bars, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients like butter and chocolate chips are fresh for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry bars. They should be slightly soft in the center when done.
- Chill Before Cutting: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape better.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: Feel free to customize with different types of chocolate chips or nuts based on your taste preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
Pairing side dishes with your Easter Goody Bars can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delicious options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of the bars.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can complement the flavors and create a nice contrast to the sugary treat.
- Spring Vegetable Medley: Roasted or steamed veggies add color and nutrition, making it a well-rounded meal.
- Mini Quiches: These savory bites make for an excellent brunch option alongside sweet treats.
- Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs add protein and are always popular at gatherings.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad offers a great texture contrast and helps round out any meal.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks are perfect for dipping into sauces or enjoying on their own.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Easter Goody Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results.
- Using the wrong pan size: Always use a 9×13 baking pan as specified. A different size can alter the baking time and texture of the bars.
- Not measuring ingredients correctly: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Accurate measurements ensure consistent results.
- Overbaking the bars: Keep an eye on them! Take them out when edges pull from the pan. Overbaking can lead to dry bars.
- Ignoring cooling time: Let the bars cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cutting. This helps them set properly and improves texture.
- Skipping the sprinkles: While optional, adding sprinkles enhances the festive look of your Easter Goody Bars. Don’t miss out on this fun touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Easter Goody Bars
- Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Easter Goody Bars
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual bars on high for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easter Goody Bars:
How do I make my Easter Goody Bars extra gooey?
To achieve gooeyness, slightly underbake your bars. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I substitute ingredients in Easter Goody Bars?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour or different types of nuts based on your preferences.
What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
You can make a homemade version using milk and sugar, but it may alter the final texture slightly.
Are Easter Goody Bars suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These treats are kid-friendly and perfect for family gatherings during springtime celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Easter Goody Bars offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make them perfect for spring celebrations. The creamy fudge filling combined with the crunchy pecan crumble is sure to impress everyone at your gathering. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite candies or nuts to make these bars truly unique!
Easter Goody Bars
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 servings 1x
Description
Easter Goody Bars are the ultimate springtime dessert, perfect for any celebration! With a delightful pecan and oat crumble base, a rich creamy fudge filling, and topped with colorful Easter M&M candies, these bars are not only visually stunning but also a treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply indulging in something sweet, these bars will impress everyone with their crunchy texture and decadent flavor. Easy to make and fun to customize, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups quick oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) melted salted butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M's
- Optional: Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat 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.
- Reserve 1 ½ cups of the mixture for topping and press the rest into the baking 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 reserved crumble on top. Press in M&M's.
- Bake for 20–23 minutes until edges pull away from the pan. 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: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
