Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that combines the crunch of pecans and oats with a creamy fudge filling. Perfect for any Easter gathering or spring celebration, these bars are not only easy to make but also visually appealing with their colorful toppings. The combination of textures and flavors will surely impress your guests, making them a standout dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have these bars ready in no time.
• Deliciously Rich: The creamy fudge filling paired with the crunchy topping makes for a mouthwatering treat.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations, potlucks, or just a sweet snack at home.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping decorate the bars with colorful M&M’s and sprinkles.
• Great for Sharing: Cut into 36 pieces, these bars are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

To create these scrumptious Easter Goody Bars, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking pan: This size is ideal for creating uniform bars that bake evenly.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly without splatter.
• Saucepan: Necessary for melting the fudge filling smoothly over medium heat.

Ingredients

Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! A pecan and oat crumble mixture for the crust, filled with a creamy fudge filling, topped with more crumble and Easter M&M candy and sprinkles.

For the Crust

• 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

For Topping

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

How to Make Easter Goody Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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. You can also use tin foil lined with cooking spray for easier removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir together until it 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 crumble mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Be sure to press down firmly to form an even crust.

Step 4: Prepare the Fudge Filling

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until melted and well combined. Once melted, remove from heat and pour this chocolate mixture over your crust.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture over the melted chocolate filling. Evenly distribute M&M’s and optional sprinkles on top; gently press them into the crumble.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. Look for slight pulling away from the edges of the pan as an indicator they’re done. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars; be careful not to overbake! Enjoy your delicious 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 enjoying a quiet family dinner, these bars will surely impress everyone. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience with this sweet treat.

With Fresh Fruit

• Strawberries: Fresh strawberries pair beautifully with the creamy fudge filling and add a refreshing contrast.
• Raspberries: The tartness of raspberries complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Alongside Whipped Cream

• Sweetened whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds an airy texture and balances the richness of the bars.
• Flavored whipped cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melted chocolate drizzle: A quick drizzle of melted chocolate enhances the visual appeal and adds more chocolatey goodness.
• Caramel sauce: For those who love caramel, a light drizzle will elevate your Easter Goody Bars to new heights.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and flavors.
• Easter-themed ice cream: Look for seasonal flavors like bunny tracks or cotton candy for a festive touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Variety of desserts: Pair your Easter Goody Bars with other desserts like cookies and brownies for an amazing dessert spread.
• Seasonal decorations: Add some colorful spring-themed decorations to make the platter visually appealing.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

To ensure your Easter Goody Bars turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh butter and high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Do not overmix: Mix just until combined when preparing the crumble mixture to keep it crumbly and not dense.
• Check doneness carefully: Since it’s hard to tell when they are done, keep an eye on them toward the end of baking time.
• Cool completely: Allowing them to cool thoroughly helps the bars set properly, making them easier to cut into squares.
• Store correctly: Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days for optimal freshness.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to try different toppings like nuts or dried fruits for added texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Pair your Easter Goody Bars with delightful side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options you can consider serving alongside:

1. Spring Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette brightens up your meal.
2. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs make a great finger food that is always popular during gatherings.
3. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the goody bars.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers savory options that contrast nicely with dessert flavors.
5. Roasted Veggies: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a healthy side that pairs well with any meal.
6. Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches can be filled with vegetables, cheese, or meats, making them versatile and tasty companions.
7. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus drizzled with lemon juice brings brightness and sophistication to your table.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft garlic breadsticks add a comforting element that everyone loves, perfect for dipping into sauces or spreads.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter Goody Bars can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can hinder your results. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Overmixing the Crust: Mixing too long can lead to a tough crust. Stir until just combined to maintain the crumble texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using incorrect measurements can ruin your bars. Always use measuring cups for precise amounts.
• Skipping Cooling Time: Cutting the bars too early may cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for better structure.
• Using Unsalted Butter: If you use unsalted butter, your bars may lack flavor. Stick with salted butter for that extra deliciousness.
• Ignoring the Cooking Time: Overbaking will dry out your bars. Keep an eye on them and take them out when the edges start pulling away from the pan.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to three months.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the bars for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time in 10-15 second intervals until warm, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a pan over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easter Goody Bars:

What are Easter Goody Bars?

Easter Goody Bars are delicious dessert bars made with a crumbly oat and pecan crust, creamy fudge filling, and topped with festive M&Ms and sprinkles.

Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?

Absolutely! You can add different types of chocolate chips or nuts based on your preferences. Feel free to get creative!

How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done baking?

Look for edges that pull away slightly from the pan. The center should still look soft but not overly gooey.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Easter Goody Bars a day or two in advance. Just store them properly as mentioned above.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to suit different tastes. Customize them with your favorite candies or nuts, and enjoy this delightful treat during springtime gatherings or family celebrations. Give this recipe a try; you’re sure to impress everyone!