Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! These delicious bars feature a pecan and oat crumble crust, a creamy fudge filling, and a festive topping of Easter M&M candy and sprinkles. Ideal for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, these bars bring joy to any occasion. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out as a must-try dessert this season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• Deliciously Decadent: The rich chocolate filling paired with the crunchy crumble provides an irresistible flavor combination.
• Festive Appeal: Topped with colorful Easter M&Ms and sprinkles, these bars are visually stunning and perfect for celebrating the holiday.
• Versatile Treat: Whether for Easter brunch or an afternoon snack, these bars fit various occasions beautifully.
• Make Ahead Options: You can prepare them in advance, allowing you to enjoy stress-free entertaining.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Easter Goody Bars, gather the essential tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking pan (9×13 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula
• Cooking spray or parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A 9×13 inch pan is perfect for evenly baking your bars so they cook thoroughly.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows you to mix different ingredients without cluttering your workspace.
• Saucepan: This is crucial for melting together your fudge filling, ensuring it combines smoothly.
• Spatula: A good spatula helps in evenly spreading the mixture and pressing down the crust firmly.

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
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the 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. Alternatively, you can use tin foil lined with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare 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 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 form a solid crust.

Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine:
–  Sweetened condensed milk
– Chocolate chips
– Butter

Stir continuously until melted and well combined. Once fully melted, remove from heat and pour this chocolate mixture over your crust.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Take the reserved crumble mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the chocolate layer. Then add your Easter M&Ms and sprinkles on top. Gently press them into the crumble for better adherence.

Step 6: Bake

Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-23 minutes. The edges should slightly pull away from the pan once done. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Be cautious not to overbake; they will continue to cook as they cool!

How to Serve Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s for a festive gathering or a cozy family dessert, these bars can be served with a few creative twists.

Individual Servings

• Cut the bars into small squares and serve them in festive cupcake liners for a cute presentation.
• Pair each square with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added indulgence.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm Easter Goody Bars topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm chocolate and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Drizzle some hot fudge over the top for an extra special touch.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cut bars alongside other Easter-themed desserts like cookies and cupcakes to create a colorful dessert platter.
• Add fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries to balance the sweetness.

Garnished with Fresh Mint

• Top each bar with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
• This adds an elegant touch when serving at parties or gatherings.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• Lightly dust the tops of the bars with powdered sugar before serving. This gives them an attractive finish and enhances their sweetness.
• Use a fine sieve for even distribution.

Pin for later!

How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

To ensure your Easter Goody Bars come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Avoid overmixing: When combining ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bars.
• Check doneness carefully: Look for edges that are slightly pulling away from the pan, but keep in mind that they will continue cooking as they cool.
• Let them cool completely: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes slicing easier.

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:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats complement the chocolate in the bars while adding elegance to your spread.
3. Spring Pea Salad: A light salad featuring peas, mint, and feta provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bars.
4. Carrot Cake Bites: Mini carrot cakes reinforce the spring theme while offering different flavors.
5. Cheesecake Bites: These creamy bites provide variety and pair well with the texture of the goody bars.
6. Mini Pastries: Including assorted mini pastries gives guests different sweet options to enjoy alongside their bars.
7. Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of sorbet refreshes after indulging in sweet treats like Easter Goody Bars.
8. Coffee or Tea: Offering hot beverages complements dessert nicely, making it perfect for gatherings or brunches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter Goody Bars can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Boldly overbaking: It’s crucial not to overbake these bars. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time; they should be slightly pulled away from the edges but still soft in the center.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure your butter is melted and your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps with mixing and creates a better texture for your bars.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allowing the bars to cool fully is essential for them to set properly. Cutting too soon can lead to a messy situation!
• Not measuring accurately: Using precise measurements for oats, flour, and sugar is vital. A kitchen scale can help ensure accuracy, especially for baking.
• Using unsalted butter mistakenly: While some recipes call for unsalted butter, using salted butter adds flavor in this recipe. Adjust salt accordingly if you use unsalted.
• Forgetting about toppings: Don’t skip the M&M’s and sprinkles! They add color and joy, making these bars perfect for Easter celebrations.

Pin for later!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• • Container: Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid to keep them fresh.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• • Duration: These bars freeze well for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Wrap individually or place in a freezer-safe container layered with parchment paper.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Easter Goody Bars.

What makes Easter Goody Bars special?

Easter Goody Bars combine a delicious pecan-oat crumble with a creamy fudge filling, making them an indulgent spring treat perfect for sharing.

Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?

Absolutely! You can substitute different nuts or chocolate types based on your preference. Adding dried fruit or other candies can also enhance flavor.

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

When edges start pulling away from the pan and they appear slightly set in the middle, it’s time to pull them out. They will continue to firm as they cool.

Can I use different kinds of chocolate chips?

Yes! Both milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips work well. Feel free to mix types or even try white chocolate for a different taste.

Are there alternatives for sweetened condensed milk?

You can use coconut cream or homemade versions as alternatives if you prefer dairy-free options.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat that captures the essence of springtime celebrations. Their chewy texture combined with creamy fudge makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize these bars with your favorite mix-ins or toppings! Perfect for family gatherings or simply enjoying at home, give this recipe a try!