If you’re dreaming of all that gooey, nutty pecan pie flavor but don’t have time for rolling out crusts or fancy techniques, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a revelation. With a buttery shortbread base and an irresistibly rich pecan topping, these bars bring together everything you love about pecan pie—without the hassle. The one-bowl crust, simple pour-over filling, and easy slicing make this a go-to for carefree baking, busy holidays, or whenever you want a show-stopping dessert that’s secretly simple. Invite your friends, brew some coffee, and get ready to watch these bars disappear!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What sets Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars apart is how each ingredient pulls its weight—you get familiar flavors and textures without any unnecessary fuss. Let’s break down how these classic elements combine to make pure dessert magic.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and slightly cooled): This forms the rich, tender base and adds unbeatable flavor to the crust.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The essential structure for the bars; you’ll get a firm but delicate bite with every square.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and helps the crust bake up golden and crisp.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch brings out the complexity of every other ingredient.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): The backbone of the classic pecan pie texture—gooey, glossy, and just sweet enough.
- Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Deepens the flavor with caramel and toffee notes, making the filling extra special.
- Large eggs (3): These bind the filling so it sets perfectly, giving the bars their classic custardy chew.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Rounds everything out with a warm, bakery-style aroma and flavor.
- Chopped pecans (2 cups): The star of the show! Their crispness and nutty flavor really shine through.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Be sure to leave an overhang on the sides so you can effortlessly lift out your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars after baking. This little trick means no sticking and perfect, pretty slices every time.
Step 2: Make the Easy Shortbread Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt until the mixture is crumbly and evenly moistened. No mixer, no fuss, just a fork or your favorite sturdy spoon will do. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan so it forms an even layer.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes. The crust should come out lightly golden and already smelling irresistible. Pre-baking gives it just the right structure so it won’t turn mushy when topped with your luscious filling.
Step 4: Whip Up the Gooey Pecan Filling
While the crust bakes, grab another bowl and whisk together the corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in those beautiful chopped pecans—this is where your bars start looking and smelling like holiday magic.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, pour your pecan filling gently and evenly over the hot base. Immediately return the pan to the oven, then bake for another 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for a set filling with a gently golden top. The smell? Absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This patience pays off! Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang and slice into whatever size squares make you happiest. Your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are now ready to make any gathering a little sweeter.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. If you have a few extra pecans, toast them, then scatter on top for extra crunch and eye appeal. Even a tiny sprinkle of flaky salt can work wonders to balance the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars play beautifully with sides like vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit, or a cup of strong coffee. For formal gatherings, serve next to a bowl of mixed berries or a simple fruit compote. The bars are rich, so pairing them with lighter flavors makes dessert a whole event.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into small bites and pile them high on a platter for a party. For a bake sale, wrap each bar in parchment and tie with baker’s twine. You can even serve wedges instead of squares for a pie-like look. However you slice them, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars make for an eye-catching and crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cool, store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll hold their flavor and texture beautifully, making them perfect for prep-ahead holiday baking or the best kind of midnight snack.
Freezing
If you’ve managed to save a few extras, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze in a single layer. They’ll keep for up to three months, and you can thaw portions overnight in the fridge whenever you need a quick, homemade treat.
Reheating
While Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are delicious at room temperature, you can gently rewarm them in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes if you like your bars extra gooey. Serve warm with ice cream or just with a fork and a smile.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup or maple syrup instead?
Absolutely! Swap in dark corn syrup for a deeper, more caramelized flavor or use half maple syrup for a richer, slightly rustic sweetness. Either way, the bars will turn out deliciously gooey and golden.
Do I need to toast the pecans?
Toasting brings out even more crunch and nuttiness, so if you have a few extra minutes, lay the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes before stirring into the filling. It’s optional, but your taste buds will thank you.
How do I get clean slices?
Make sure your bars are completely cooled before slicing. Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for those perfect bakery-style squares. The parchment overhang really helps you lift the whole slab out for neat slicing.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the crust, and your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars will still turn out beautifully. Just double check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
Will these work for a potluck or bake sale?
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are practically made for sharing! They travel well, hold their shape, and can be easily portioned. Prepare them the night before, cut, and pack in single layers with parchment for a foolproof bake sale or party treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving old-fashioned, nutty, caramel-sweet goodness without a drop of stress, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are bound to become your new go-to treat. They’re easy, always crowd-pleasing, and ready to lift anyone’s mood—your only challenge is making sure there are enough to go around! So gather those simple ingredients and let the baking magic begin!
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars that are a breeze to make and a joy to eat. With a buttery crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt to form a crumbly dough. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Bake: Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them.
- You can also substitute dark corn syrup or use half maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
