If you’ve ever wished pecan pie was easier to make without sacrificing any of that rich, nutty goodness, then this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine buttery, crumbly crust paired with a gooey, caramel-like filling studded with crunchy pecans—all baked in one pan and cut into perfect squares for sharing (or not!). This recipe takes the classic Southern dessert and transforms it into an effortlessly delicious treat that’s both portable and irresistible. Trust me, once you try these bars, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a pie crust again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the tender crust to the sweet, nutty filling. Let’s break down what you’ll need, and why it’s all essential for that perfect bite.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base that holds everything together.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the crust, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust subtly and helps it brown beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crust): Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes that infuse the filling with warmth and sweetness.
- 1 cup corn syrup: Provides that signature gooey consistency and sheen to the filling, making it irresistibly sticky.
- 4 large eggs: Act as a binder, setting the filling as it bakes for that perfect custard texture.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant sweetness that elevates the filling’s complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for filling): Enhances all the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
- 2 cups chopped pecans: The star ingredient—offering crunch, buttery flavor, and that distinctive pecan pie character.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your bars lift out easily after baking and keeps cleanup a breeze. Having your pan ready upfront means a smooth baking process where everything moves seamlessly along.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mix these ingredients together until the dough turns crumbly but holds slightly when pressed. This crumbly texture is exactly what you want—it will transform into a tender, buttery crust once baked.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into your prepared baking pan, ensuring corners are filled and the surface is smooth. Bake it for 20 minutes until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. This pre-baking step is crucial to prevent a soggy bottom and give your pecan bars a perfect balance of crispness and tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl until smooth. This mixture will slowly transform into the luscious, gooey filling that makes pecan bars so addictive.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Gently fold 2 cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture. You want the pecans evenly distributed throughout so each bar gets that wonderful crunch and nutty flavor classic to pecan pie.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should be set in the center but still slightly jiggly—this is the sweet spot for perfect texture and gooeyness.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow your bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire batch out of the pan, then slice into 24 squares. Cooling is key here to make clean slices and prevent filling from oozing everywhere.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Although the bars are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate adds a touch of elegance. You can also top each bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Side Dishes
These bars shine alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, especially when served warm; the contrast of hot and cold is heavenly. Pairing with fresh berries or a cup of hot coffee or tea can also elevate your dessert experience by adding brightness or complementing the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the bars on a wooden board with clusters of pecans and small bowls of caramel sauce for dipping. You could even serve them as mini bites on festive toothpicks or plate alongside a cheese platter for an unexpected twist. They’re as versatile visually as they are delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For extended freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week—just bring to room temperature before serving so the filling softens up again.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months, making this recipe a perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen bars at room temperature, then warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10–15 minutes. This refreshes the gooey filling and brings back that fresh-baked aroma, making each bite taste as good as the first time you baked them.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be substituted if pecans aren’t available or to mix up the flavor. Just chop them roughly to maintain that satisfying crunch.
Is corn syrup essential for the filling?
Corn syrup helps create that classic sticky, gooey texture pecan pie filling is known for. If you prefer, you can substitute with light maple syrup or honey, but results may vary slightly in texture and sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can enjoy these bars gluten-free. Just ensure your blend contains xanthan gum or add some separately to help the crust bind well.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Look for a filling that is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the center. The top should be golden but not burnt. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoiding overbaking keeps it perfectly gooey.
Can I double the recipe to make a thicker bar?
Doubling the recipe in a larger pan works, but for thicker bars, you might want to increase the baking time slightly and check for doneness carefully. Alternatively, make two batches to bake in separate pans to keep the timing consistent.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about combining minimal effort with maximum taste, and this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe does just that. Whether it’s a casual family dessert or a show-stopping addition to your holiday spread, these bars deliver buttery, nutty, sweet comfort in every bite. The ease of making one pan of bars instead of a pie makes this recipe a champion for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to sweet treat.
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer the delicious flavors of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, they are perfect for dessert lovers wanting to skip the fuss of traditional pie baking.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumbly dough evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes until it is lightly golden and set.
- Make the Filling: While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir 2 cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust evenly.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center of the filling is just set but not overly firm.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to ensure proper setting of the filling.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 24 equal squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure to cool the bars completely before slicing to prevent the filling from falling apart.
- You can substitute light corn syrup with golden syrup or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.
- For a nuttier taste, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- To keep bars soft, avoid overbaking; the center should remain slightly soft when removed from the oven.
