Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are the perfect springtime treat that everyone will love! These delicious bars combine a pecan and oat crumble crust with a creamy fudge filling, topped with more crumble, colorful Easter M&M candy, and sprinkles. They’re ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply to celebrate the joy of the season. With their unique flavors and eye-catching appearance, these bars will surely stand out at any occasion.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust and Topping
• For the Filling
• For Decoration
• How to Make Easter Goody Bars
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Prepare the Crust Mixture
• Step 3: Form the Crust
• Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling
• Step 5: Add Toppings
• Step 6: Bake
• How to Serve Easter Goody Bars
• Individual Treats
• With Ice Cream
• As Part of a Dessert Platter
• With Fresh Fruit
• Drizzled with Chocolate
• How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars
• Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Easter Goody Bars
• Reheating Easter Goody Bars
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I know when my Easter Goody Bars are done?
• Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?
• What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?
• How should I serve Easter Goody Bars?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps and common ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for Easter celebrations or any spring gathering, these bars can be enjoyed year-round.
• Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a rich taste that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
• Fun Presentation: Colorful M&M’s and sprinkles make these bars visually appealing, adding a festive touch to your dessert table.
• Make Ahead Option: You can prepare these bars in advance, saving you time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Easter Goody Bars successfully, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for even cooking and allows you to cut the bars into uniform pieces.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in organizing your ingredients effectively while mixing.
• Saucepan: Ideal for melting the fudge filling ingredients together smoothly.

Ingredients

For these delightful Easter Goody Bars, gather the following ingredients:

For the Crust and Topping

• 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 Decoration

• 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 a 9×13 baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust 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 the mixture resembles wet sand and is crumbly.

Step 3: Form the Crust

Measure out 1½ cups of this crumble mixture and set it aside. Press the remaining mixture into your prepared baking pan to form an even crust.

Step 4: Make the Fudge Filling

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

Step 5: Add Toppings

Press the reserved crumble mixture over the chocolate layer gently. Sprinkle M&Ms and optional sprinkles on top, pressing them lightly into the crumble.

Step 6: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-23 minutes. The edges should pull slightly away from the pan when done. Let cool for about 30 minutes to an hour before cutting into bars; they will continue cooking as they cool!

Enjoy making these delightful Easter Goody Bars that are sure to impress friends and family alike!

How to Serve Easter Goody Bars

Easter Goody Bars are not just a dessert; they’re a delightful centerpiece for your spring celebrations. Here are some creative ways to serve them that will impress your guests.

Individual Treats

• Serve each bar wrapped in colorful cellophane for a fun, portable treat.
• Place on decorative plates for a beautiful dessert display at your Easter gathering.

With Ice Cream

• Pair a warm Easter Goody Bar with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The combination of warm and cold is simply irresistible!

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter featuring various Easter-themed treats like cookies, cupcakes, and, of course, your delicious bars.

With Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side. The fruity acidity complements the sweetness of the bars perfectly.

Drizzled with Chocolate

• Melt some extra chocolate and drizzle it over the bars before serving for an eye-catching presentation.

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How to Perfect Easter Goody Bars

To achieve the best results with your Easter Goody Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill Before Cutting: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This helps them hold their shape better.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips and real butter for richer flavor.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on baking time. Pull them out when edges are slightly golden to maintain gooeyness.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to mix in additional candies or nuts for variety in texture and flavor.
• Store Properly: Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy longer.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try using different types of chocolate or adding extracts like almond or vanilla for unique variations.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Goody Bars

Pairing your Easter Goody Bars with delightful side dishes enhances the entire meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Spring Salad: A light mix of greens adorned with strawberries and feta cheese makes a refreshing complement.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like asparagus and carrots add color and healthiness to your spread.
3. Deviled Eggs: Classic deviled eggs are always a hit during Easter gatherings and provide savory balance.
4. Honey Glazed Ham: This sweet and savory dish is often the star of an Easter meal; it pairs well with dessert afterward.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad can be a filling side that contrasts nicely with sweeter desserts.
6. Fruit Platter: An assortment of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easter Goody Bars can be easy, but avoiding common mistakes ensures they turn out perfect every time.

• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. An unheated oven can lead to uneven baking.
• Overmixing the Crust: Mix only until the ingredients resemble wet sand. Overmixing can lead to tough bars instead of a crumbly texture.
• Not Pressing the Crust Firmly: Ensure you press the crust mixture firmly into the baking pan. A loose crust may crumble when you cut the bars.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Let the bars cool for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Cutting too soon can result in messy, uneven pieces.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: For easy removal, always line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Easter Goody Bars in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easter Goody Bars

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• These bars can be frozen for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating Easter Goody Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm bars for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one bar at a time for about 15-20 seconds for a soft treat.
• Stovetop: Place a bar in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people have questions about making Easter Goody Bars. Here are some common queries answered.

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

You can tell they are done when the edges start pulling away from the pan. They should look slightly golden on top.

Can I customize my Easter Goody Bars?

Absolutely! You can add different types of chocolate chips or nuts based on your preferences. Try swapping pecans for walnuts!

What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk?

You can make homemade sweetened condensed milk using regular milk and sugar. However, it may alter the final texture slightly.

How should I serve Easter Goody Bars?

These bars are great served chilled or at room temperature. You can also serve them warm with ice cream!

Final Thoughts

Easter Goody Bars are an irresistible springtime dessert that everyone will enjoy. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them perfect for any gathering or celebration. Feel free to customize them with your favorite candies or nuts, creating a unique treat that will impress your friends and family!