The Lazy Girl’s Dream: Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Whipping up a delightful lazy girl pecan pie bars doesn’t require culinary magic or hours of preparation.

Shortcuts can be deliciously rewarding when you know the right tricks.

Sweet, nutty layers come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Pantry staples transform into a decadent dessert that looks like you spent all day baking.

Crisp, buttery edges and gooey center make these bars irresistible to anyone who loves a quick treat.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can satisfy your sweet tooth without complicated techniques.

Trust me, these bars will become your new go-to dessert that impresses everyone with zero stress.

Why Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Are So Easy And Good

• Create Hassle-Free Dessert: Perfect for bakers who want a simple yet impressive treat without complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Build a Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Pecan bars appeal to all ages, making them ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend desserts.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for creative variations like adding chocolate chips, changing nut types, or adjusting sweetness levels to personal preference.
• Master Stress-Free Baking: Straightforward steps and basic kitchen tools mean anyone from beginner to experienced baker can successfully prepare these delectable bars.

What Goes Into Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure and texture to the bar base.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp crust.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance of the crust.
• Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender crust with rich flavor.

• Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and provide a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a glossy, smooth filling with a classic pecan pie consistency.
• Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture to the filling.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the smooth filling texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Pecans, Powdered Sugar: Provide a classic finishing touch with added crunch and visual appeal.

Simple Steps For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for super easy bar removal later.

Step 2: Build the Buttery Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Chop cold butter into the dry ingredients and work it with your fingers until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Step 3: Pack Down the Crust

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid and smooth foundation for your pecan bars. Make sure it’s compact and even.

Step 4: Pre-Bake the Crust

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown. Pull it out and let it cool down a bit.

Step 5: Whip Up the Gooey Filling

• Eggs
• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk everything until it’s silky smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Sprinkle in the Nuts

Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Step 7: Pour and Spread the Filling

Carefully pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out to cover every inch of the surface.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a set filling with just a tiny jiggle in the center.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Step 10: Lift and Slice

Use the parchment paper edges to lift the bars out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board.

Step 11: Create Delicious Bars

Slice into rectangular pieces and dust with a light snowfall of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 12: Add the Final Touch

Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans on top for a gorgeous garnish that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Tips That Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Better

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and balance of flavors in your pecan bars.
• Chill Butter Strategy: Keep butter very cold and cut into small cubes for a flakier, more tender crust that holds together beautifully.
• Even Pecan Distribution: Gently fold pecans to prevent sinking and create a consistent nutty crunch throughout each bar.
• Room Temperature Rest: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature to set properly and develop a rich, smooth filling consistency.
• Garnish with Finesse: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant, professional bakery-style presentation that adds a delicate sweetness.

Tasty Twists On Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Maple Walnut Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts and substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup to create a different woodland-inspired dessert bar with deep, caramel-like undertones.
• Vegan Pecan Bar Adaptation: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and select plant-based corn syrup alternative to craft a dairy-free and egg-free rendition that still delivers exceptional texture and sweetness.
• Chocolate Drizzled Edition: After cooling, melt dark chocolate and artfully drizzle over the top of bars, adding an elegant and indulgent layer of rich chocolate complexity to the classic pecan recipe.

Perfect Pairings With Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• Savor Sweet Harmony: Perfect Pairings for Pecan Bars
• Brew Bold Coffee Companion: Dark roast or espresso cuts through the sweetness, balancing the rich pecan flavor with its robust profile and creating a delightful contrast.
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Serve a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bars, letting the cold, smooth texture complement the warm, nutty dessert and enhance each bite's decadence.
• Amber Whiskey Elegance: Pour a small glass of smooth bourbon or aged whiskey, which echoes the caramel notes in the brown sugar and provides a sophisticated adult pairing that elevates the dessert's complexity.

How To Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Properly

• Store cooled pecan bars in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper, for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the area is cool and dry to prevent softening or spoilage.
• Warm bars in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp texture. Alternatively, microwave for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up, being careful not to overheat.

FAQs For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Use parchment paper and pre-bake the crust for 15-18 minutes before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps maintain the crust’s crisp texture.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or chopped almonds. Keep the quantity the same to maintain the recipe’s balance.

• What's the best way to get clean, neat bar cuts?

Let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between each cut for precise, smooth edges.

• How do I know when the pecan bars are done baking?

The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 0 minutes – 1 hour 8 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Lazy girl pecan pie bars bring Southern comfort to your dessert table with minimal effort. Crumbly, buttery crust and rich caramel-like filling promise delightful indulgence you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups pecans, chopped
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
• 2 tbsp pecans, finely chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Create the crust by combining flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl, then cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumbly crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, ensuring a compact and smooth base.
4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it develops a light golden edge, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
5. Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, distributing them evenly throughout the filling.
7. Carefully pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, making sure to spread it uniformly to cover the entire surface.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and has a slight jiggle in the center.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours.
10. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board.
11. Slice into rectangular bars and optionally dust with powdered sugar.
12. Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top for a decorative garnish before serving.

Notes

• Ensure butter is ice-cold when making the crust to achieve a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Toasting pecans before adding them to the filling will intensify their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Use a digital thermometer to check the filling’s doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 200°F for a perfectly set consistency without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-48 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg