Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars for the Perfect Dessert Recipe

Introduction

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a simple and delicious twist on classic pecan pie, perfect for those who want all the flavor with less fuss. These bars combine a buttery crust with a rich, nutty filling that’s ideal for busy bakers and casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal later.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and is crumbly in texture.
3. Step 3: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. Step 4: Bake the crust in the oven for 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
6. Step 6: Stir in the pecans until evenly combined.
7. Step 7: Remove the baked crust from the oven and pour the pecan filling evenly over it. Spread the filling out with a spatula to distribute the pecans evenly.
8. Step 8: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set and the edges turn slightly golden.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
• Line the pan with parchment paper to make removing bars easier.
• Substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey if unavailable, though flavors will vary slightly.
• Try walnuts, almonds, or a nut mix instead of pecans for a different texture and taste.
• For a gluten-free version, replace the flour with a gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to keep them soft and fresh. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or allow to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

How long do Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars stay fresh?

These bars can last 5-7 days at room temperature in an airtight container, away from sunlight and heat.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a holiday gathering?

Yes, they are great for making 2-3 days in advance. Storing them in the fridge can even enhance the flavor.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The original recipe contains gluten, but you can make them gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free graham crackers if desired.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes, wrap them well in plastic and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

What if I don’t have corn syrup for the recipe?

You can substitute with maple syrup, honey, or a mix of brown sugar and water, though the flavor will change slightly.

How can I prevent my pecan topping from burning?

Cover the bars loosely with foil if the nuts darken too quickly, and consider baking at a slightly lower temperature, such as 325°F, monitoring carefully.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Their sweet, nutty flavor and easy-to-eat square shape make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts, almonds, or a mix work well. Chop nuts evenly for consistent baking.

Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars for the Perfect Dessert Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 87 reviews

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer a simple and delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of classic pecan pie without the fuss. Featuring a buttery shortbread crust topped with a sweet, nutty pecan filling, these bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing dessert. Ready in under an hour, they require no complicated techniques and can be made ahead to impress your guests with minimal effort.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars (about 4x4 squares) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves or chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together with a crumbly texture. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake this crust for 12-15 minutes until it is lightly golden brown.
3. Prepare the Pecan Filling: While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, light brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined. Stir in the pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
4. Assemble the Bars: Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling out uniformly, ensuring the pecans are well distributed across the surface.
5. Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges. This ensures a perfectly baked pecan bar with a firm but tender filling.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into squares. Serve as is, or enhance with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Using parchment paper eases removal of bars from the baking dish.
• Can substitute maple syrup or honey for corn syrup if unavailable.
• Bars can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
• Refrigerate bars for up to 5 days to prolong freshness.
• Freeze bars wrapped individually for up to 3 months; thaw to room temperature before serving.
• Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for best texture.
• Cover with foil during baking if pecans brown too quickly to avoid burning.
• Can substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired; chop nuts evenly.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, easy pecan dessert, lazy girl pecan bars, pecan dessert, holiday baking, simple pecan bars