This simple dessert is one you won’t forget. A combination of elderberry and pecans creates unique shortbread bars that are absolutely divine.

The number of times I crave something sweet may be a little high. Luckily, I’ve gotten pretty good at finding simple and easy recipes that satisfy my sweet tooth and are good for me, too. I’m all about making desserts that can actually nourish my body and my family as well.

This is why these elderberry pecan shortbread bars are one of my all-time favorite dessert recipes out there. Nothing can beat the simplicity and flavor of this recipe. These bars start with a layer of soft shortbread and are topped with pecans baked into an elderberry glaze. These flavors blend so beautifully and can be quite addictive. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a gathering or something to keep on hand when you get a sweet craving, this recipe has got you covered. I guarantee your family will love it too; my boys can destroy a whole pan within the hour, it’s that good. 

I’m so thrilled to share this family-favorite recipe with you. You’ll get to learn what you’ll need to make it, how to make it and why it’s so special. 

Meet Elderberry Queen

Just in case you’re new here, I wanted to introduce myself. I’m Lindsey, founder of Elderberry Queen, and a mom of five boys. Yep, you heard that right: five boys — six, if you include my husband. It’s safe to say that life can be a little bit hectic sometimes, you probably know what I mean. 

Having a family motivates me to stay mindful about health and wellness. I want the best for them, and much of that starts with the food we eat. When you start thinking about what’s in the food we eat, it can be eye-opening and motivating. 

A long time ago, I ditched all the toxic ingredients because they only harm our bodies rather than build them up. 

Here at Elderberry Queen, we are dedicated to providing you with nourishing recipes and practical health tips, along with all-natural products like our Organic Elderberry Syrup. Click here to shop our online store and browse all our products — there’s something for everyone. 

I hope these resources help you achieve your health goals and learn more about the world of wellness. Your health matters, and it matters to me; that’s why we started Elderberry Queen. 

Now, before we jump into recipe talk, I wanted to share some reasons you should try this elderberry pecan shortbread bar. 

Why You’ll Love It

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty into easy recipes that end up being downright mouthwatering. The fact that it’s a dessert just tops it off. Sweets don’t always have to make you feel guilty, because with the right ingredients, dessert could actually benefit your health.

Without further ado, here are awesome reasons why you should give this recipe a try, and why it’ll become a staple in your household. 

• Quick & Easy: I can’t be the only one who gets frustrated by standing in the kitchen and fussing over a complicated recipe; that's just a fast road to me losing it. This recipe is the exact opposite: it won’t take hours or require extensive prep time. 

• Wholesome Ingredients: Free of refined sugar, toxic ingredients and preservatives, these elderberry pecan shortbread bars are made with simple, healthy ingredients. This includes our Organic Elderberry Syrup and Local Raw Honey, which are packed with fantastic health benefits. 

• Made for Sharing: Making one pan is easy enough, so if need be, making extras for an event isn't stressful. These are easy to share, not too messy, and can be cut into any size squares you'd like. 

• Balanced Flavors: The cozy flavors in these elderberry pecan shortbread bars are out of this world amazing. You get that crumbly, sweet and soft crust. You also get the perfect elderberry pecan topping, combining the tartness of the elderberries with the warmth of the pecans. 

The only downside? You might wish you had made a double batch. With all these reasons, it's really a recipe that’s hard to pass up. 

Next up, let’s take a look at what ingredients you’re going to need.

Grab These Ingredients

Now you’re one step closer to indulging in these deliciously perfect elderberry pecan shortbread bars. Before we go any further, make sure you have all your ingredients ready to go. 

For the Shortbread:

• 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour (or gluten-free 1:1 flour)

• ½ cup of softened butter

• ⅓ cup of maple sugar

• ½ tsp of salt

For the Pecan Topping:

• ¼ cup of cold butter

• 2 cups of pecans

• ½ tbsp of vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp of heavy whipping cream (or coconut cream)

• ¼ cup of Local Raw Honey

• ½ cup of maple sugar

• 4 tbsp of Organic Elderberry Syrup

There you go! It’s not much, but it comes together in a way that is hard to describe; all I can say is that this dessert is one of my favorites. That said, let me teach you how to make these elderberry pecan shortbread bars. 

Step-By-Step Instructions

Let’s get right into it and whip up this delectable treat. These steps are easy to follow and produce a well-earned treat that you and your friends or family will fall in love with.

Instructions for the Crust:

• Start by preheating your oven to 375℉, lining a 9x9 pan with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with avocado oil or coconut oil.

• Using a mixer, blend together the butter and maple sugar. Then, gradually add in the flour and salt until crumbly.

• Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and bake for 15 minutes. 

Instructions for the Pecan Topping:

• While the crust is cooling, set the oven temperature to 325℉.

• In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the butter, maple sugar, heavy cream, honey and elderberry syrup until the mixture boils. 

• Then remove it from the heat and add the vanilla extract and pecans, stirring to combine. 

• Spread the topping evenly over the crust and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling. 

• Let them cool, then cut and serve. 

Enjoy and savor every last bite, you’ve deserved it! For storage, place in an airtight container — they will stay fresh for about five days at room temperature and up to three months if frozen. 

Healthy Desserts Start Here

Hopefully, these elderberry pecan shortbread bars have shown you how simple and healthy a dessert can be. It doesn’t need to be full of nasty ingredients; it can actually fuel and benefit your body. 

Beneficial staples to keep around for these recipes are our Organic Elderberry Syrup and our Local Raw Honey. Most of our recipes call for one or both of these, so it’s smart to keep them on hand.

Here are a few more healthy desserts you might love:

• Baked Peaches With Honey-Whipped Ricotta

• Mixed Berry Crisp

• Honey-Sweetened Shortbread Cookies 

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