Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that everyone will love! These bars feature a delicious pecan and oat crumble crust filled with a creamy fudge filling, topped with extra crumble, vibrant Easter M&M candies, and cheerful sprinkles. Perfect for family gatherings, Easter celebrations, or a sweet afternoon snack, these bars will surely be a hit at any occasion.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Easter Goody Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
• Step 3: Form the Base Layer
• Step 4: Create the Fudge Filling
• Step 5: Add Toppings
• Step 6: Bake to Perfection
• How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
• With Fresh Berries
• A Scoop of Ice Cream
• Drizzled with Chocolate
• Paired with Coffee
• In Lunchboxes
• At Picnics
• How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easter Goody Bars
• Reheating Easter Goody Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use different nuts in Easter Goody Bars?
• How do I make gluten-free Easter Goody Bars?
• What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?
• Can I customize the toppings on my Easter Goody Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious bars without any hassle.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of creamy fudge and crunchy pecans creates a mouthwatering treat that is hard to resist.
• Festive Touch: The colorful M&M’s and sprinkles add a fun and festive look, making them perfect for Easter celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert: These bars can be enjoyed on their own or served alongside ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special dessert.
• Batch-Friendly: This recipe yields 36 bars, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this Easter Goody Bars recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Cooking spray or parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Pan: A 9×13 pan is perfect for evenly baking the bars to achieve that ideal texture.
• Mixing Bowls: Using separate bowls helps in organizing ingredients, ensuring each component is well mixed.
• Saucepan: A good saucepan allows for even melting of the fudge filling without burning it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create your delicious Easter Goody Bars:

• 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
• 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. Spray your 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. For added convenience, you can also use tin foil lined with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
1½ cups quick oats
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup melted butter
1 cup chopped pecans

Stir together until the mixture resembles wet sand and is crumbly.

Step 3: Form the Base Layer

Measure out 1½ cups of the crumble mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining crumble mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.

Step 4: Create the Fudge Filling

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup chocolate chips
2 tablespoons butter

Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Once combined, remove from heat and pour over the crust layer in the baking pan.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Carefully press the reserved crumble mixture over the fudge filling. Top with:
1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
Add sprinkles if desired. Gently press them into the crumble layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be cautious not to overbake them! They will continue cooking slightly as they cool down.

How to Serve Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a spring gathering or simply indulging on your own, here are some fun serving suggestions.

With Fresh Berries

• Combine the bars with a side of fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity contrast that enhances the sweetness.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Serve warm Easter Goody Bars with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The creamy texture complements the chewy bars perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling melted chocolate over the top before serving. This makes for an eye-catching presentation.

Paired with Coffee

• Enjoy these bars alongside a cup of coffee or espresso! The rich flavors balance well and make for a satisfying snack.

In Lunchboxes

• Cut the bars into smaller squares and pack them in lunchboxes. They make for a sweet surprise during school or work breaks.

At Picnics

• Bring these bars to your next picnic! They are easy to transport and can be enjoyed outdoors with friends and family.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

To achieve the best results when making Easter Goody Bars, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh butter, high-quality chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk for maximum flavor.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the crust ingredients, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to dense bars instead of light and chewy ones.

• Check for Doneness: Look for edges that pull away from the pan as an indicator they’re ready. Be cautious not to overbake!

• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting. This helps them set properly and maintain their shape.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the bars.

2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses like brie and cheddar to complement the sweet flavors with savory notes.

3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch while keeping within the chocolate theme.

4. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of Easter Goody Bars, making them great for brunches.

5. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: These crunchy veggies offer a healthy option that balances out dessert nicely.

6. Spring Pea Salad: A light salad featuring fresh peas, mint, and feta brings freshness to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter Goody Bars can be straightforward, but a few common mistakes might affect your results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Ignoring the cooling time: If you cut the bars too soon, they may fall apart. Allow them to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Overbaking: These bars can be tricky since the crumble hides their doneness. Keep an eye on them and remove them when the edges start to pull away from the pan.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring cups and spoons for precise amounts, especially with flour and sugar.
• Using cold butter: Melted butter helps create that delicious texture. Make sure your butter is fully melted before mixing it into the dry ingredients.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment makes removing the bars easier. Don’t skip this step!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep layers separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for 15-20 seconds per bar until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Easter Goody Bars, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use different nuts in Easter Goody Bars?

Yes! While pecans add great flavor, you can substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference.

How do I make gluten-free Easter Goody Bars?

Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure other ingredients are also gluten-free.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use homemade condensed milk or coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative.

Can I customize the toppings on my Easter Goody Bars?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in different candies or use chocolate chips of your choice.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are not only delightful but also versatile. You can tailor them by adding your favorite nuts or different types of chocolate. This recipe is perfect for sharing during springtime gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home. Try it out and let your creativity shine!