Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – The Easiest Pecan Dessert Ever!
Pecan pie lovers, rejoice! If you love the rich, nutty, and caramelized goodness of traditional pecan pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution. With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey pecan filling, these bars are everything you love about pecan pie—without the hassle of rolling out dough. Whether you’re looking for a holiday dessert, a quick treat for a party, or a simple weekend indulgence, this easy recipe will become your go-to.
Introduction
There’s something irresistible about pecan pie—the rich, caramel-like filling, the crunch of toasted pecans, and the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crust. But let’s be honest, making a traditional pecan pie from scratch can be time-consuming. That’s where Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come in.
These quick and easy pecan pie bars have all the flavors of classic pecan pie but in a bar form that’s simple to make, cut, and serve. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base, while the sweet, sticky pecan topping bakes to golden perfection. Best of all, this recipe requires minimal effort—no need to roll out pie dough, pre-bake crusts, or stress over a runny filling.
If you’re a fan of easy dessert recipes, pecan-flavored treats, or make-ahead holiday baking, you’ll love these pecan pie bars. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
To make these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, you’ll need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture forms a soft dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, making sure to spread it into an even layer.
3. Bake the Crust
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until it turns light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. Make the Pecan Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Assemble the Bars
Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are slightly browned. The bars should be firm but slightly soft in the center when gently pressed.
7. Cool and Slice
Remove the pecan pie bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or bars.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Enjoy these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars at room temperature or slightly warmed. They pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly chopped pecans provide the best flavor and crunch.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center. Overbaking can make the bars dry.
- Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: This makes it easy to remove the bars and prevents sticking.
- Let Them Cool Completely: Cooling allows the filling to set properly and makes slicing easier.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store well and taste even better the next day!
Cooking Tips
To take these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars to the next level, try these tips:
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a rich, chocolatey twist.
- Drizzle with Caramel: After cooling, drizzle the bars with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Mix in Coconut Flakes: For a tropical spin, add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the filling.
- Try Maple Syrup: Swap out the corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a deeper, natural sweetness.
- Use a Nut Mix: Replace some of the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a mixed-nut variation.
Serving Suggestions
These gooey pecan pie bars are perfect on their own but can also be served with:
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast
- Whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon
- A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce
- A cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (based on a 12-bar serving size):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Calcium: 4%
- Iron: 6%
Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Enjoy them straight from the fridge, at room temperature, or warm them up in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making the shortbread crust?
Yes! You can use a pre-made pie crust or graham cracker crust for an even quicker version.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give the bars a richer, deeper flavor, while light corn syrup keeps them lighter and milder.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
You can replace the corn syrup with honey, maple syrup, or a mix of sugar and water for a similar texture.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, try these other delicious desserts:
- Teriyaki Salmon Bowls with Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
- Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Oyster Stew – A Classic Comfort Dish
Conclusion
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate easy holiday dessert—with their buttery crust, gooey pecan filling, and simple prep, they’re a must-try for any baking enthusiast. Whether you’re making them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a sweet treat, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try today and enjoy a classic pecan pie in a fuss-free, bite-sized form! 🥧🍯