If you’re searching for a delightful treat that combines rich chocolate, chewy oats, and a pop of colorful Easter fun, this Easter Goody Bars Recipe is absolutely what you need. These bars are the perfect balance of fudgy, crunchy, and sweet, making them an irresistible snack or dessert that’s sure to brighten up any spring gathering or holiday celebration. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to festive treat that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create the perfect texture and vibrant flavor. Each component plays a key role—from the hearty oats adding chewiness and nutty pecans lending crunch, to the chocolate chips and Easter pastel M&M’s bringing irresistibly sweet bursts of color and flavor.
- 1½ cups quick oats: These add chewiness and a wholesome base for the crust and topping.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Helps hold the bars together while keeping them tender.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and heightens overall flavor.
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, melted): Adds richness and helps create the perfect fudgy texture.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk: The secret behind that creamy, fudgy filling that pulls all the flavors together.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: For luscious melted chocolate goodness in the center layer.
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s: For that festive pop of color and a sweet candy crunch.
- Optional: Easter sprinkles: To top off these bars with extra festive flair and fun texture.
How to Make Easter Goody Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your baking pan and oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, line or spray a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prep is crucial because it ensures your bars won’t stick and come out looking as beautiful as they taste.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined. This mixture forms both the crust and the topping of your bars, so getting a good texture here is key!
Step 3: Form the crust
Press about 2 cups of your crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This base layer will bake into a slightly crispy crust that holds all the gooey layers together perfectly.
Step 4: Make the luscious fudge filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, gently combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and additional butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted into a smooth, creamy chocolate fudge. This rich filling is where the magic really happens – it soaks into the crust, binding it all together.
Step 5: Assemble the bars
Pour the warm fudge mixture evenly over the pressed crust. Then, sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, followed by the pastel Easter M&M’s and optional festive sprinkles. This layering creates a beautiful contrast between fudgy, crunchy, and colorful elements.
Step 6: Bake and cool
Bake your bars for 20 to 23 minutes, until you notice the edges slightly pulling away from the pan and the topping is just set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing so they hold their shape and slice cleanly.
How to Serve Easter Goody Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For added festivity and texture, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate makes these bars irresistible. Adding a few fresh spring berries on the side can elevate the presentation with a fresh pop of color.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to create a truly indulgent dessert experience. If serving at brunch, pair them with fresh fruit salad or a cup of rich coffee for a well-rounded treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the Easter Goody Bars into fun shapes using cookie cutters for a cute party platter. You can also layer them in clear jars or wrap individual squares in pastel cellophane tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps the bars fresh while maintaining their chewy, fudgy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To enjoy these bars warm, microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds or place in a low oven for a few minutes. This melts the chocolate slightly, making every bite decadent and gooey once again.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work wonderfully if you prefer a different crunch or flavor. Just use the same quantity as pecans.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
You can try substituting the butter with dairy-free margarine and using dairy-free chocolate chips. The sweetened condensed milk can be tricky but coconut condensed milk alternatives might work.
How long do these bars stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh and delicious for about four days.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling the ingredients is a great idea if you want to serve a crowd or have extras to freeze for later. Just use a larger pan or bake in two batches for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Goody Bars Recipe is a total game-changer for festive desserts. It’s easy to make, wonderfully chewy and fudgy, and the bright candy colors add that perfect Easter cheer. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a beloved treat to share year after year—so grab your ingredients and get baking. Trust me, your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Easter Goody Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat perfect for spring celebrations. These bars combine a crumbly oat and pecan crust with a rich, chocolatey fudge filling, topped with colorful Easter pastel M&M’s and optional festive sprinkles. With a buttery base and a sweet, creamy middle, they make an irresistible dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1½ cups quick oats
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks, melted)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Fudge Filling
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup butter (used in filling, amount not separately specified; assuming ¼ cup included in melted butter is for crust so use an additional ¼ cup butter for fudge filling as typical)
Toppings
- 1 cup Easter pastel M&M’s
- Optional: Easter sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the quick oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly mixture.
- Form Crust: Reserve about 2 cups of the crumble mixture for topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer.
- Prepare Fudge Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and an additional butter amount (around ¼ cup). Stir continuously until all ingredients are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the warm fudge filling evenly over the crust in the baking pan. Sprinkle the reserved crumble mixture evenly over the fudge filling. Top with Easter pastel M&M’s and optional Easter sprinkles for a festive finish.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bars for 20 to 23 minutes, or until the edges start to pull away slightly from the pan, indicating the bars are set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into 16 servings.
Notes
- Use quick oats for a better texture; old-fashioned oats may make the crust too chewy.
- Make sure to cool the bars fully before cutting to ensure clean slices.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the crust mixture.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
