Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! These delightful bars feature a buttery pecan and oat crumble crust, creamy fudge filling, and a cheerful topping of Easter M&M candy and sprinkles. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply brightening up your dessert table, these bars offer a festive flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these bars can be whipped up in no time.
• Deliciously Sweet: The combination of chocolate and crunchy pecans creates a rich flavor profile that is hard to resist.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations or any spring gathering, you can even customize the toppings!
• Feed a Crowd: This recipe yields 36 bars, making it great for parties or family events.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: The colorful M&Ms and sprinkles add a playful touch that kids will adore.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Easter Goody Bars easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly cooking the bars and helps achieve that ideal thickness.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to keep your ingredients organized while mixing.
• Saucepan: Essential for melting the fudge filling without burning it; choose one with a heavy bottom.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down the sides of bowls and ensuring every bit of deliciousness is incorporated.

Ingredients

Easter Goody Bars require the following ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping

• 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 Filling

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips OR semi-sweet
• 2 tablespoons butter

For Decoration

• 1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
• Easter sprinkles, optional

How to Make Easter Goody Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, heat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your 9×13 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.

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 has a crumbly texture.

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: Make the Fudge Filling

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

Stir continuously until melted and smooth. Pour this delicious fudge filling over your pressed crust.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the chocolate layer. Then add:
1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s

Gently press them into the crumble layer for added decoration.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should pull slightly away from the edges of the pan. Allow cooling for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy your festive Easter Goody Bars!

How to Serve Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. They make for a perfect addition to your springtime gatherings or holiday celebrations.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the bars. The rich chocolate filling complements the warmth of these beverages beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter by cutting the bars into smaller pieces. Add fresh fruits and other Easter-themed sweets for a colorful display.

Topped with Ice Cream

• Serving warm Easter Goody Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast in temperatures and textures.

For Breakfast Treats

• These bars can also be served as a sweet breakfast option. Their oat content gives them a wholesome feel, perfect for starting the day.

At Picnics or Potlucks

• Cut the bars into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at picnics or potluck events. They’re sure to be a hit!

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

To achieve the best results with your Easter Goody Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Make sure your butter and chocolate chips are fresh for optimal flavor.
• Do Not Overbake – Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking will dry out the bars.
• Chill Before Cutting – Allowing the bars to cool completely makes slicing easier and neater.
• Customize Toppings – Feel free to swap out M&M’s for other candies or nuts based on personal preference.
• Store Properly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
• Experiment with Spices – Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile of your bars.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Pairing side dishes with your Easter Goody Bars can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
2. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses provides a savory contrast that complements the sweetness of the bars.
3. Spring Vegetable Salad – Light salads with greens and spring veggies refresh the palate between bites of dessert.
4. Mini Quiches – These savory bites can serve as a delightful counterpoint to sweet treats.
5. Deviled Eggs – A classic side that pairs well with many dishes, adding protein to your spread.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus – Crunchy carrots dipped in creamy hummus offer health benefits alongside indulgence.
7. Cucumber Sandwiches – Light and refreshing, these sandwiches provide another layer of flavor against sweet desserts.
8. Pasta Salad – A cold pasta salad can be filling yet light enough not to overshadow the bars’ sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easter Goody Bars, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final result. Here’s what to look out for:

• Overmixing the Crust: Mixing too much can lead to a tough crust. Aim for a crumbly texture that resembles wet sand.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision matters! Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right proportions for the best flavor and texture.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Patience is key! Allowing the bars to cool for at least 30 minutes ensures they set properly and makes cutting easier.
• Baking Too Long: Watch your baking time closely. Overbaking can dry out your bars, so keep an eye on them as they approach the end of cooking time.
• Using Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter can alter the flavor balance. For a richer taste, stick with salted butter in this recipe.

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, 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). Bake for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Easter Goody Bars, you’ve come to the right place!

How do I make my Easter Goody Bars more festive?

You can add extra sprinkles or substitute different types of candy on top for variety.

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends without losing much texture.

What if I don’t have pecans?

Feel free to substitute with walnuts or leave them out entirely if allergies are a concern.

How long do Easter Goody Bars last?

These delicious bars will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week, or they can be frozen for three months.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are not only delightful but also versatile! You can customize them with different candies or toppings based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for spring celebrations and will surely bring joy to your gatherings. Try making these amazing bars today!