Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful springtime treat that everyone will love! These bars combine a crunchy pecan and oat crumble crust with a creamy fudge filling, topped with vibrant Easter m&m candy and sprinkles. Perfect for Easter celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as an indulgent dessert, these bars are sure to impress. With their rich flavors and festive appearance, they make any occasion feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made from common pantry items, these bars are easy to whip up without a lot of fuss.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious treats in the oven in no time!
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter, but also great for birthdays or any festive gathering.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With their rich chocolate and colorful toppings, these bars are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
• Make Ahead Option: These bars can be prepared a day in advance, making them perfect for busy schedules.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Easter Goody Bars efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking pan: This size provides the perfect depth for your bars to bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly and keeping your workspace organized.
• Saucepan: Needed to melt the fudge filling smoothly without burning it.

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 Topping

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

How to Make Easter Goody Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray your 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. You can also line it with tin foil and spray the foil with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Stir together until it resembles wet sand and becomes 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 prepared baking pan to form an even crust.

Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter. Stir continuously until everything is melted together. Once combined, remove from heat and pour over the crust.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Sprinkle the reserved crumble over the chocolate filling. Gently press in the m&m’s and optional sprinkles into the topping.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20-23 minutes until edges start pulling away from the pan. Allow cooling for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars. Remember not to overbake; they will continue cooking slightly as they cool down!

How to Serve Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are a delightful treat perfect for any spring gathering. They can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile dessert option.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with coffee: The rich chocolate and creamy filling contrast beautifully with the bold flavors of coffee.
• Enjoy with tea: A light, fragrant tea complements the sweetness of the bars.

At Easter Brunch

• Serve on a dessert platter: Arrange them alongside other treats like muffins or pastries for an inviting display.
• Cut into smaller pieces: Offer bite-sized portions for guests to enjoy with other brunch favorites.

As Party Favors

• Wrap individually: Place each bar in colorful wrapping to create charming gifts for guests to take home.
• Include a personalized note: Add a small card with your favorite Easter recipe for a personal touch.

With Ice Cream

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream: The combination of warm bars and cold ice cream creates a delightful contrast.
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Enhance the indulgence by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top.

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How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

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

• Use fresh ingredients: Always check the expiration dates on your butter and condensed milk to maintain flavor.
• Don’t overmix: Combine ingredients just until they hold together. Overmixing can result in tough bars.
• Cool completely: Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting. This helps them set properly and makes serving easier.
• Adjust baking time: Every oven is different; keep an eye on the edges to avoid overbaking and losing that chewy texture.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to swap out M&Ms for other candies or nuts based on your preferences.
• Store properly: Keep leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars pair well with various side dishes that enhance your dessert table. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bars.
2. Deviled Eggs – Classic deviled eggs provide a savory contrast that complements sweet desserts.
3. Spring Vegetable Salad – Crisp greens and light vinaigrette make for a refreshing side that pairs well with rich desserts.
4. Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses offers variety and pairs nicely with sweet treats like goody bars.
5. Mini Quiches – These savory bites add protein and substance, creating a balanced meal alongside desserts.
6. Carrot Sticks with Hummus – Crunchy veggies offer a healthy option that contrasts beautifully with sweet flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking Easter Goody Bars can be a delightful experience, but avoiding common pitfalls is essential for perfect results.

• Overmixing the Crust: Overmixing can lead to tough bars. Mix just until combined to maintain a tender texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure each ingredient is added properly.
• Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into warm bars can cause them to fall apart. Allow them to cool completely for the best texture.
• Using Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter can alter the flavor. Stick with salted butter as recommended for optimal taste.
• Not Checking for Doneness: It’s easy to overbake these bars. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly pulled away from the edges when done.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to three months for best quality.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place bars on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easter Goody Bars.

How do I make my Easter Goody Bars more colorful?

Add extra sprinkles or use vibrant M&M’s. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.

Can I substitute nuts in Easter Goody Bars?

Yes! Feel free to replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts entirely if you prefer.

How long do Easter Goody Bars last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they will last up to one week in the refrigerator.

What variations can I use for the filling?

Consider using white chocolate chips or mixing in dried fruits like cranberries for added flavor.

Can I use gluten-free ingredients?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are not only delicious but also versatile, making them an ideal treat for spring celebrations. Feel free to customize with your favorite candies or nuts. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet joy of these delightful bars!