Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

When you’re craving the classic flavors of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with rolling out a crust, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are here to save the day! They’re everything you love about pecan pie—sweet, nutty, and buttery—but in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dessert at home, these bars are a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

As someone who loves to bake but doesn’t always have the time for elaborate recipes, this one has become a go-to for me. Let’s dive into these deliciously simple treats!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Quick: No rolling, chilling, or complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake.
• Classic Flavors: All the buttery, nutty goodness of pecan pie in an easier format.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From holiday dinners to casual get-togethers, these bars are always a hit.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They store beautifully, so you can bake them in advance.

Recipe: Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until the dough comes together and resembles wet sand.
2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, spreading it gently to ensure the pecans are evenly distributed.
2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

1. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For easier slicing, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour.
2. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars

1. Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center—it will firm up as it cools.
2. Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, make sure your pecans are fresh and not stale.
3. Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the brown sugar by 2-3 tablespoons.
4. Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the bars makes them easier to cut and ensures clean edges.
5. Add a Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty flavor or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra treat.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Any Occasion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate combination of ease and indulgence. They’re rich and buttery with a satisfying crunch from the pecans. Because they’re so easy to transport and serve, they’re perfect for potlucks, holiday dessert spreads, or just a simple sweet treat for your family.

What I love most about this recipe is how it delivers all the flavors of traditional pecan pie without the hassle. They’re as delicious warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as they are chilled straight from the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars taste even better the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q2: Can I freeze pecan pie bars?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q3: What can I use instead of light corn syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor, but keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

Q4: Can I add other nuts?
Of course! Walnuts or almonds work well in this recipe, either mixed with or in place of the pecans.

Q5: How do I prevent the crust from sticking?
Lining the pan with parchment paper and leaving an overhang makes removing the bars much easier and prevents sticking.

Final Thoughts

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are proof that you don’t need a lot of time or effort to create a show-stopping dessert. They’re easy to make, rich in flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them with your morning coffee, these bars are sure to become a favorite.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Happy baking!

---