Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the answer to every craving for gooey, caramel-y pecan pie without the fuss of rolling dough or fretting over pie plates. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust layered under a thick, nutty pecan topping that’s as rich and satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday potluck or just need a sweet treat for a cozy night in, these bars hit all the right notes—crispy edges, chewy centers, and all the classic flavors you love. Grab your pantry staples and let’s bake up something magical!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is in their simplicity. Every ingredient pulls its weight, blending to create that irresistible contrast of buttery crust and sweet, glossy top. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): This is the secret to that melt-in-your-mouth crust and rich pecan filling—using it melted speeds up the process and gives perfect results every time.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for the crust, bringing structure and a tender bite.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Lends a touch of sweetness and keeps the base soft but not cakey.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to make all the flavors pop and balance the sweetness.
- Large eggs (3): These provide richness and help the filling set so each bite holds together beautifully.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): The classic key to glossy, chewy pecan pie filling—but you can swap for maple syrup for a deeper, autumnal vibe.
- Light brown sugar (1 cup, packed): For that cozy, caramel-y goodness that’s the heart of pecan pie.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Just a splash brings warmth and rounds out those nutty notes.
- Chopped pecans (2 cups): The star of the show! Chopped means every bar is perfectly studded with crunchy, buttery pecans.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little overhang on the sides—this will be your best friend when it’s time to lift out those perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars later. It’s a tiny step that makes a world of difference.
Step 2: Mix the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir everything together until a soft dough forms—no need for a mixer or fancy tools! Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your lined pan. Take a moment to even out the edges so every bite tastes as good as the center.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the crust into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until you see a light golden color emerging. You’re looking for a set base that’ll hold up to all the gooey, sugary goodness you’re about to spread on top.
Step 4: Make the Pecan Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup (or maple syrup, if you’re feeling bold), light brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Once everything is glossy and smooth, fold in the chopped pecans. This filling should look thick, shiny, and irresistible!
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the pecan mixture over the warm crust—no need to wait for it to cool! Spread everything out evenly, making sure the pecans are distributed across every inch. Slide the pan back into the oven for another 30 to 35 minutes. When the bars are done, the top should look beautifully golden and set, with no major jiggle in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan (the hardest part, I swear). This step makes cutting so much easier and keeps the glorious layers intact. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars onto a cutting board, then slice them into 24 perfectly sized treasures. Congratulations, your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are ready to steal the show!
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Garnishes
A little flourish can take these bars over the top. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra decadence. For special occasions, finish with a dollop of whipped cream or a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of creamy and crunchy is pure heaven!
Side Dishes
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars shine all on their own, but if you’re serving dessert for a crowd, consider pairing them with a bowl of fresh berries or a citrusy fruit salad for a refreshing balance. They’re also delightful alongside a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of eggnog when the holidays roll around.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the bars on a rustic wooden board for a laid-back, bakery-style vibe or arrange them in mini cupcake papers for that party-perfect look. If you’re gifting, wrap each bar individually in parchment and tie with twine for a homespun touch. You can even layer them in a jar with a festive ribbon for an edible centerpiece that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days—if they last that long! If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge to keep the filling just right. The flavors only get better after they’ve had a bit of time to settle.
Freezing
These bars are freezer-friendly and perfect for making ahead of time. Place cooled bars in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and defrost quickly at room temperature for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
Reheating
While Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are delicious chilled or at room temp, you can gently warm them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked feel. If you prefer an oven touch, reheat at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. Warm bars paired with ice cream? Absolutely irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will lend a deeper, more robust caramel flavor and a darker color to the bars. It’s a simple way to tweak the recipe to your taste or to use what’s already in your pantry.
Do Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars work with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still end up with delicious bars everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to prevent sticking when removing from the pan?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang on the sides makes it so easy to lift the whole slab out for neat slicing. Greasing the parchment and pan lightly helps, too, especially if you’re not using nonstick bakeware.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins?
Go for it! A handful of mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can personalize your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. Just be careful not to overload the filling so it still sets up properly.
How far in advance can I make these bars?
You can bake Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars up to two days ahead and keep them tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge. They actually taste even more amazing the next day once the flavors meld, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a no-fuss treat that tastes like a little slice of holiday heaven, look no further. Whip up a batch of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars and savor every caramelized, nutty bite—your friends, family, and sweet tooth will thank you. Happy baking!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars that are a breeze to make and a joy to eat. A buttery crust topped with a rich pecan filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust: Mix melted butter, flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Press into pan and bake until golden.
- Prepare the Filling: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in pecans.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour filling over crust and bake until set and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool, then cut into bars.
Notes
- You can use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a richer flavor.
- These bars freeze well and are perfect for make-ahead holiday treats.
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