Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that brings all the buttery, nutty, and sweet goodness of pecan pie into a more casual, slice-and-serve form, then you will absolutely adore this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. It takes all the classic flavors you love from a traditional pecan pie but transforms them into a convenient bar format that’s perfect for sharing, potlucks, or simply treating yourself after a long day. The buttery crust, the gooey filling packed with festive pecans, and that perfect hint of caramelized sweetness come together effortlessly, making it an instant favorite any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet they work together to create a rich, flavorful texture and beautiful golden color that make this dessert so irresistible. Each component plays a vital role in building those layers of taste and that perfect chewy, crunchy contrast.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a tender and rich crust base with a silky mouthfeel.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure of the crust that holds everything together delicately.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness to the crust without overwhelming.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the filling and gives it a silky, custard-like texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Creates that classic chewiness and sticky-sweet essence characteristic of pecan pie.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Gives a deeper, molasses-infused sweetness and moistness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the warm, cozy flavor profile with a fragrant aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the pecan flavor throughout.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: The star ingredient—offering a delightful crunch and nutty richness in every bite.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your softened butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to mix everything until the texture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed. This simple mix will serve as the buttery foundation for your bars.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Press your crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a prepared baking dish. This even layer forms the sturdy yet tender crust. Slip it into the oven and bake at 350°F for around 15 to 20 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful, light golden color. This pre-baking ensures a firm base that won’t get soggy once your luscious filling is added.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
While your crust is baking, combine the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a separate bowl. Once these ingredients are well-blended, fold in the chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This filling is what gives your bars that signature gooey and nutty perfection.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling evenly over it, spreading gently to the edges. Return the baking dish to your oven and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want the filling to set firmly and the top to take on a gorgeous golden brown hue. This signals that your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is close to heavenly perfection.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. This part is key—it lets the filling firm up so your bars hold their classic shape when sliced. Cut them into squares, and get ready to dive into some serious snacking bliss.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can turn your pecan pie bars into a party-ready dessert. For an extra touch, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. It’s all about enhancing the rich flavors and adding a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, nutty bars.
Side Dishes
These bars pair beautifully with simple, fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which can cut through the sweetness with a refreshing crispness. For a warm beverage companion, think a rich cup of coffee, bold black tea, or a creamy chai latte—these drinks complement the buttery, caramel notes of the bars perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve these bars on a rustic wooden board with pecan halves scattered around for a charming, inviting look. You can also stack smaller bar squares on pretty plates or wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine for grab-and-go treats that look as delightful as they taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, store them in the refrigerator where they will last comfortably for about a week. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. When you want a sweet snack, thaw the bars overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you prefer your pecan bars warm, gently reheat them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This will revive the chewy gooey filling and give the pecans a freshly toasted aroma that’s simply irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re in a rush, a high-quality store-bought crust can be a handy shortcut. Just press it firmly into your dish and prebake as usual. The key is to make sure the crust gets that light golden bake so it holds up well under the filling.
What can I substitute for corn syrup in this recipe?
Light corn syrup adds that classic chewy texture, but if you’d prefer to avoid it you can substitute it with an equal amount of honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that this might slightly change the flavor and consistency, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
If you need to skip pecans, you can replace them with sunflower seeds or toasted coconut flakes to maintain some crunch and texture. The filling will still be sweet and flavorful, but nut-sensitive eaters can enjoy this tasty treat without worry.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it isn’t gluten-free. However, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in place of regular flour, and it should work well for the crust. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent to keep that perfect texture.
Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Yes! This recipe scales up nicely if you want to feed a crowd. Just use a larger baking dish or two pans, and keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a little extra time to fully set when baked in a thicker layer.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that’s both fuss-free and utterly scrumptious. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the beloved flavors of pecan pie without the stress of making a traditional pie. Once you try these bars, they’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation, guaranteed to wow friends and family every time. So grab your ingredients and let’s bake some cozy, buttery happiness!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars combine a buttery, crumbly crust with a rich, gooey pecan filling, offering the classic flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for a dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
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 crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients come together and form a crumbly, well-combined dough.
- Press and bake the crust: Evenly press the crust mixture into the bottom of a prepared baking dish to form a solid base. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Stir in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the filling.
- Assemble and bake bars: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust in the baking dish. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a golden brown color.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pecan pie bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into 16 squares and serve.
Notes
- To prevent the crust from shrinking, make sure to evenly press it into the pan and avoid using too much flour when handling.
- Use light corn syrup for a classic texture and flavor, but you can substitute with golden syrup or honey if needed, keeping in mind the flavor changes slightly.
- Ensure the bars cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly and prevent crumbling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
