If you’ve ever craved the sweet, buttery goodness of pecan pie but wanted something quicker and easier to serve, then the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. These bars capture everything you love about a classic pecan pie in a simple, sliceable form that’s perfect for sharing, snacking, or impressing friends without the fuss. It’s a no-fail, irresistible treat with a tender crust and gooey pecan topping that melts in your mouth with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry — everything is straightforward, pantry-friendly, and works together to build the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays its part, whether it’s lending richness, sweetness, or that signature crunch.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create a tender, flaky crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the crust, giving structure and a delicate crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness straight into the crust for a balanced flavor.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and contribute to the custardy texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Creates that signature sticky, silky pecan pie filling.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet notes and adds warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens overall flavor complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: Brings crunch and that unmistakable nutty richness you expect from pecan pie.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your bars won’t stick and come out in perfect, neat squares every time.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until you get a crumbly, well-incorporated dough — it should hold together when pressed but still feel delicate.
Step 3: Form the Crust
Press this buttery mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Don’t rush this step — pressing firmly and evenly means a crust that bakes uniformly and supports the filling beautifully.
Step 4: Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for 15 to 20 minutes or until it turns a lovely light golden color. This pre-baking step creates a sturdy, slightly crisp base that holds all that luscious filling without getting soggy.
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While the crust is baking, whisk together eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This blend forms your classic pecan pie filling’s rich, gooey texture.
Step 6: Incorporate the Pecans
Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed for every bite. The pecans add essential crunch and that famous nutty flavor that makes this recipe so addictive.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling over the lightly baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and beautifully golden brown on top — a sure sign your pecan bars are ready to come out!
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial because it allows the filling to firm up so you can slice perfect squares without any mess.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delightful on their own, but adding a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns them into an indulgent dessert. For a stunning presentation, sprinkle some toasted pecan halves on top or drizzle with a little caramel sauce to enhance the nutty sweetness.
Side Dishes
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which contrast the sweetness with a hint of tartness. They also work great alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making for a cozy afternoon treat or a charming finish to a dinner party.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board or a charming vintage plate for a homey vibe. You can also cut them into mini squares and skewer them on decorative picks for easy, mess-free party bites. No matter how you present them, these bars are sure to be a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge will help maintain their texture without drying out.
Freezing
These pecan bars freeze beautifully! Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When stored properly, they can last up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
Warm your bars gently in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Heating brings out the nutty aroma and gooey filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are classic for this recipe, you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even a nut mix. Just be sure to chop them finely and toast lightly for extra flavor.
Is light corn syrup necessary?
Light corn syrup helps achieve the right gooey texture and glossy finish in the filling. If you prefer, you can try using golden syrup or honey, but expect slight differences in texture and sweetness.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The crust might be a bit more delicate but just as delicious.
How do I know when the filling is set?
The filling should look golden brown and no longer jiggle excessively in the center when you gently shake the pan. A toothpick inserted should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking pan or two pans. Just keep an eye on the baking times as they may need slight adjustments.
Final Thoughts
The Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a wonderful shortcut to enjoying the comforting, nostalgic flavors of pecan pie without all the fuss. Perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike, these bars are sure to become a staple in your dessert rotation. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite go-to treat for every occasion!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery crumbly crust with a rich, sweet pecan filling for an effortless twist on traditional pecan pie. Easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection, they are perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever a delicious treat is needed without the fuss of making a full pie.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the softened butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-combined, forming the base for the bars.
- Press the crust: Evenly press the crumbly crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a solid base layer for the pecan filling.
- Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined, creating a rich and sweet filling.
- Add the pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture, adding texture and nutty flavor.
- Pour filling over crust: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, ensuring full coverage for perfect bars.
- Bake the bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is a golden brown color.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing them into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing of the crust.
- Use light corn syrup for a mild sweetness and traditional pecan pie flavor.
- Ensure the filling is fully set before removing to avoid runny bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
