Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat! These delightful bars feature a rich pecan and oat crumble crust, a creamy fudge filling, and a colorful topping of Easter m&m candies and sprinkles. Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or as a festive dessert at home, these bars will be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Their unique combination of flavors and textures makes them stand out on any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up these bars in no time.
• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of chocolate, pecans, and oats creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations, birthday parties, or just because!
• Crowd-Pleaser: These bars are loved by both kids and adults, making them great for any occasion.
• Customizable Topping: Feel free to switch out the m&m’s or add your favorite sprinkles for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Easter Goody Bars, gather all necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking pan: A good quality 9×13 pan ensures even cooking and easy removal of the bars.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients thoroughly without any mess.
• Saucepan: Perfect for melting chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk together evenly.

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. If using tin foil, spray it with cooking spray as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Crumble Mixture

In a large bowl, combine:
1. Quick oats
2. All-purpose flour
3. Brown sugar
4. Salt
5. Melted butter
6. 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 aside. Press the remaining crumble mixture into the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer.

Step 4: Make the Filling

In a saucepan over medium-high heat:
1. Combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips, and butter.
2. Stir until everything melts together smoothly.
3. Remove from heat and pour the chocolate mixture over the crust.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Press the reserved crumble over the melted chocolate layer evenly. Then sprinkle Easter m&m’s and optional sprinkles on top, gently pressing them into the crumble.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. Look for slightly pulled edges from the pan as an indicator of doneness. Let cool for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before cutting into bars. Be cautious not to overbake; they continue cooking slightly while cooling.

Servings: 36 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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 simply want to indulge, these bars offer flexibility in presentation and pairing.

For a Festive Brunch

• Add Fresh Fruit: Pair with a side of mixed berries for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve with Coffee: Offer a strong coffee or latte to complement the sweet flavors.

As Part of Dessert Platter

• Combine with Other Treats: Arrange alongside cookies or brownies for a varied dessert spread.
• Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy touch.

For Kids’ Parties

• Decorate with Extra Sprinkles: Make them more fun by adding colorful sprinkles on top.
• Cut into Fun Shapes: Use cookie cutters to create fun shapes that kids will love.

Packaging as Gifts

• Wrap in Cellophane: Package individual bars in cellophane bags for sweet party favors.
• Include a Personal Note: Add a small note to each package wishing happy holidays or spring wishes.

Save it!

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 check the freshness of your butter and chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be slightly soft when removed from the oven.
• Let Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain their structure.
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: Consider adding nuts or different types of chocolate chips for variety.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Pairing your Easter Goody Bars with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites provide a rich, creamy contrast to the bars.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving bars warm with ice cream creates a delicious melting effect.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Offer melted chocolate for dipping fruit or leftover pieces of the bars.
5. Nutty Granola Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a crunchy and creamy addition.
6. Carrot Cake Muffins: These muffins resonate with the theme of Easter and add spice to your dessert table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter Goody Bars can be a joyous experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skip the cooling time: Many rush and cut into the bars too soon. Letting them cool completely helps set the fudge filling and makes cutting easier.
• Overlook the crust thickness: Not pressing down firmly enough can result in a crumbly crust. Ensure you press it down well to create a solid base.
• Ignore ingredient quality: Using low-quality chocolate chips or butter can affect flavor. good-quality ingredients for the best taste.
• Forget to measure accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your bars. Use precise measuring tools for best results.
• Overbake: Keeping them in the oven too long can make them dry. Watch closely as they bake and remove them while still slightly soft.

Save it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
• They will last up to one week in the fridge.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe container; they will keep up to three months.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual bars for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easter Goody Bars:

What makes Easter Goody Bars unique?

Easter Goody Bars combine a crunchy oat base with a creamy fudge filling and delightful toppings, making them perfect for spring celebrations.

Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of chocolate, or swap out M&Ms for other candy according to your preference.

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

Look for slightly pulled edges from the pan. They should still be soft in the center when removed from the oven.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for delicious gluten-free Easter Goody Bars.

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are not only easy to make but also versatile enough to adapt to different tastes. Whether you want to add your favorite candies or explore alternative flavors, these bars will delight everyone at your spring gathering. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a sweet treat that brings joy and satisfaction!