Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Squares

These Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Squares are a simple two-layer dessert with a buttery shortbread base and a rich chocolate pecan topping. They bake into clean, sliceable squares with a soft, slightly sticky top and a crisp, tender base. If you like chocolate and pecans together, this combination is exceptionally tasty.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Shortbread Squares in 4 Steps

Step 1: Prepare the shortbread base
Mix and press the shortbread dough into the pan. Bake briefly until lightly set.

Step 2: Add the topping
Stir together the chocolate pecan mixture and spread it over the partially baked base.

Step 3: Bake
Return to the oven and bake until the topping is set.

Step 4: Cool and slice
Let the squares cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

My Kitchen Tested Tips

• Measure by Weight: For the most accurate shortbread texture, use a kitchen scale to measure the flours (74g gluten-free flour, 56g almond flour). Scooping flours with a measuring cup can pack too much into the recipe, causing a dry, crumbly crust.

• How do I know when they’re done baking? The topping should be set and no longer wet in the center.

• Add More Flavor: Scatter a generous pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate pecan layer immediately after removing it from the oven to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the regular butter for a high-quality vegan block butter and use canned full-fat coconut milk or oat milk cream in place of the heavy cream. Ensure your chocolate chips are certified dairy-free.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Make Ahead These squares are ideal for making ahead. Once completely cooled, they slice cleanly and hold their shape beautifully, making them excellent for a weekend gathering or prepping a few days before serving.

A New Dessert Tradition

When planning a seasonal baking menu, pecan pie and gluten-free pumpkin pie are standard choices. For this menu, a chocolate pumpkin cake with ganache and these chocolate pecan shortbread squares offer an excellent alternative. The squares bring together all the classic flavors of a traditional nut pie but require less effort than rolling out a standard pie crust.

Hi, I’m Kristina I’m a professional gluten-free recipe developer, and every recipe on this site is created and personally tested in my kitchen. If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐ star rating and a quick review below, it helps other readers find my recipes!

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