German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars, like traditional pecan pie, contain a combination of ingredients that offer various health and nutritional benefits. Here are some of the key components and their potential advantages:
1. Pecans: Pecans are the primary ingredient in pecan pie bars. They are a rich source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Pecans also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain bowel regularity. Additionally, they contain various essential minerals, such as magnesium and zinc, which are important for overall health.
2. Dark Chocolate: German chocolate pecan pie bars often include a layer of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content is rich in antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which have been associated with numerous health benefits. Consuming dark chocolate in moderation may help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also contribute to improved mood and cognitive function.
3. Coconut: German chocolate pecan pie bars typically feature a coconut-based filling. While coconut is high in saturated fat, it also contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of healthy fat. MCTs are more easily metabolized by the body compared to other types of fats, providing a quick source of energy. Additionally, coconut contains dietary fiber, iron, and other minerals.
4. Eggs: Pecan pie bars often use eggs as a binding ingredient. Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing tissues. They also contain important nutrients like vitamin B12, selenium, and choline, which support brain health, energy production, and cellular function.
5. Sweeteners: German chocolate pecan pie bars are typically sweetened with ingredients like brown sugar or maple syrup. While these sweeteners do provide calories, they also add flavor and sweetness to the dessert. It’s important to consume sweeteners in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
It’s worth noting that German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are still considered a treat or indulgence due to their higher calorie and sugar content. To fully enjoy the health benefits of these ingredients, it’s recommended to consume them in moderation as part of an overall balanced and varied diet.
German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
INGREDIENTS
3 cups (330g) pecan halves
1 & 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (82g) confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup (170g) cold butter, cubed
1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 & 1/2 cups (255g) semisweet chocolate chips
3 large eggs
3/4 cup (150g) firmly packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup (177ml) light corn syrup
1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (85g) sweetened flaked coconut
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Arrange pecans in a single layer of a shallow baking pan. Bake 8-10 minutes or until lightly toasted. Stir halfway through baking.
Line the bottom and sides of a 9″x 13″x 2″ baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two short sides. Grease foil.
Whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa. Add the cold butter, and combine with a pastry blender* until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Press the mixture into the bottom and about 3/4-inch up sides of prepared pan.**
Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over crust. Allow to cool on a wire rack at least 30 minutes.
Place the eggs in a large mixing bowl, and beat lightly. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Whisk together until smooth. Stir in the coconut and pecans. Pour evenly over the partially baked crust.
Bake 28-34 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the filling has set. Cool completely on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate for an hour.
Using foil overhang, lift the bars from the pan and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut into bars.