If you have a sweet tooth but short on time, the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful treat brings all the classic flavors of a pecan pie in a simple, easy-to-make bar form that saves you from fussing with pie crusts and complicated steps. Bursting with buttery crust, a gooey brown sugar and corn syrup filling, and crunchy toasted pecans, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick dessert for family or need a crowd-pleaser for a potluck, this recipe hits every mark with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste and texture. From the buttery crust to the luscious filling, these simple pantry staples come together to make magic in your oven.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the crust, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that flaky, buttery base.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust with a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crust): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Infuses the filling with deep caramel notes and moisture.
- 1 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling that signature syrupy, glossy finish and holds it all together.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients, adding richness and structure.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor by adding warmth and sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for filling): Enhances the complexity of the filling’s sweet notes.
- 2 cups chopped pecans: The star crunch that provides texture and nuttiness, perfectly complementing the filling.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This sets the stage perfectly, ensuring your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly for easy slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix these until the dough is crumbly but holds together when pressed. This simple crust will bake into a buttery, slightly sweet base that’s the perfect contrast to the gooey topping.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press your crumbly dough evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges and set in the center. Baking the crust first gives you that wonderful texture that holds up under all the delicious filling coming next.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling
While your crust is baking, whisk together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until everything is smooth and fully combined. This mixture is the sweet, sticky magic that makes these bars absolutely irresistible.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans into your filling mixture. These nuts add a beautiful crunch and a warm, earthy flavor that balances all that sweetness perfectly.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the hot crust right out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly for that luscious, chewy texture.
Step 7: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Then use the parchment paper to lift them out for easy cutting. Slice into 24 squares, and your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are ready to delight everyone.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple touch to these bars can make them even more special. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate their presentation without overpowering the rich flavors. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side always pairs beautifully and adds a creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a sweet finish to any meal. Consider serving them alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk. For gatherings, a scoop of creamy vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can turn these bars into an indulgent dessert experience everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your pecan pie bars on a rustic wooden board with pecan halves scattered around to highlight the nutty star. You can also cut the bars into mini squares and serve them as bite-sized treats for parties. Wrapping individual bars in decorative parchment paper makes them perfect for gifting or for a grab-and-go snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the refrigerator where they’ll last about a week without losing any of their delightful texture or flavor.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.
Reheating
If you want your bars warm and gooey again, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave a single piece for 20 to 30 seconds. This quick reheat brings back that fresh-baked feeling that makes these bars such a comforting treat.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of your favorite nuts can be swapped in for pecans. Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture but still complement the gooey filling wonderfully.
Is corn syrup necessary for the filling?
Corn syrup provides the classic sticky texture that holds the filling together and gives it that shiny finish. You could substitute with golden syrup or a mild honey, but the consistency might vary slightly.
How thick should I press the crust?
Press the crust evenly and firmly into the pan, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is perfect. This thickness keeps it sturdy enough to hold the filling, yet tender enough to enjoy with every bite.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for best texture, and your bars should turn out just as delicious.
Why do the bars need to cool completely before cutting?
Cooling helps the filling set up firmly so the bars hold their shape when sliced. Cutting too soon can cause the filling to run or crumble, making it messier to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a foolproof crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug in bar form, the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your answer. It’s straightforward, fast, and downright delicious—fitting perfectly into busy lives without sacrificing any sweet satisfaction. Gather your ingredients, dive into this recipe, and watch these bars disappear faster than you can say “more please.” Enjoy every bite!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. With a crumbly shortbread crust and a luscious pecan filling, they’re perfect for any occasion requiring a sweet, comforting dessert that can be made ahead and sliced into convenient squares.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bars.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix these ingredients together until the mixture becomes crumbly but holds together when pressed.
- Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the crumbly dough mixture into the prepared baking pan to form a uniform crust layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden and set.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: While the crust is baking, whisk together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir 2 cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Assemble Bars: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust layer. The filling will begin to set against the warm crust.
- Bake Filling: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center of the filling is just set but not jiggly, indicating it’s fully cooked through.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to firm up properly.
- Slice and Serve: Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper for easy removal. Cut into 24 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.
- Allow bars to cool completely to ensure the filling sets properly and doesn’t ooze.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Chop pecans coarsely for more crunch or finely for a smoother texture.
- Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor but similar consistency.
