If you are craving a scrumptious dessert that combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the ease of a handheld treat, look no further than this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. This delightful twist on traditional pecan pie gives you that rich, gooey, nutty goodness without the fuss of dealing with a pie crust or complicated steps. Perfect for busy days or spontaneous sweet tooth moments, these bars are buttery, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy with every bite. Once you try this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, it will become your go-to dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself to a little slice of heaven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the buttery crust to the sticky-sweet filling and those toasty pecans on top, every component melds beautifully to deliver the essence of classic pecan pie in bar form.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and a tender crumb to the crust.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and moisture to the crust, ensuring it bakes golden and flaky.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the crust delicately, keeping it light rather than overly sugary.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crust): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the crust.
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Provides that deep caramel flavor essential to pecan pie filling.
- 1 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling its sticky, luscious texture.
- 4 large eggs: Helps bind the filling and gives it a custardy consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for filling): Important for balancing the sweetness and intensifying the flavors.
- 2 cups chopped pecans: The crowning glory that lends crunch and that unmistakable nutty flavor.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish mixing. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper — this will make removing the bars from the pan a breeze and help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix these together until you get a crumbly dough. This combination forms a tender, buttery crust that will perfectly support the sweet filling.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Baking it for 20 minutes will give you a light golden crust—just firm enough to hold up once the filling is added but still tender enough to melt in your mouth.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture is what gives these bars their signature sweet and gooey pecan pie flavor.
Step 5: Add the Pecans
Gently fold the chopped pecans into the filling. These nuts not only add crunch but also bring out the rich, toasty notes that make pecan pie so special.
Step 6: Combine and Bake
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the hot crust as soon as it comes out of the oven. Then, pop the pan back in for another 30 to 35 minutes. The filling should set with a slight jiggle in the center when it’s perfectly baked.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the blocks out, then slice them neatly into 24 squares. This waiting time allows the filling to firm up, making for clean cuts and perfect bite-sized bars.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate these pecan bars to dessert masterpiece status. For an extra special touch, top with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the sweet, nutty richness with creamy coolness.
Side Dishes
These bars stand beautifully on their own but can also be paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent afternoon treat. If serving at parties, fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears can add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color to your dessert table.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the bars on a festive platter sprinkled lightly with chopped pecans or edible gold flakes for a stunning visual. Another fun idea is to stack them into little towers on dessert plates or cut them into mini squares for bite-sized finger foods perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once baked and cooled, store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a great make-ahead dessert option for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To warm your bars, pop them in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave a single piece for 15-20 seconds. This will bring back that freshly baked warmth, making each bite even more comforting and delightful.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans offer that classic flavor, you can experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even a nut mix to customize your bars. Just chop them roughly for the best texture.
Is it okay to substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or honey?
While traditional pecan pie fillings use corn syrup for its consistency, you can substitute with light maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit less thick but still delicious.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy these bars gluten-free. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the crust properly.
How do I know when the filling is done baking?
The filling should look set around the edges and have a slight jiggle in the center, similar to a custard. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it perfectly gooey.
Can I prepare these bars ahead and freeze before baking?
You can prepare the crust and filling, then freeze before baking. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed. This is handy for preparing desserts in advance.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe takes all the joy of traditional pecan pie and puts it into a simpler, quicker, and just-as-delicious form. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, these bars are sure to impress. Give them a try and share the love—you’ll wonder how you ever made pecan pie any other way!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a simple, delicious twist on classic pecan pie, crafted in bar form for easy serving and snacking. Featuring a buttery, crumbly crust topped with a rich, sweet pecan filling, these bars are perfect for dessert lovers who want the cozy flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of pie-making.
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 Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to lift out the bars later.
- Make the Crust Dough: In a large 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 the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly combined.
- Press and Bake Crust: Evenly press the crumbly dough into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden brown.
- Prepare 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 bowl until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir 2 cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture to evenly distribute the nuts.
- Assemble Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the hot baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, which helps them set properly for slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges and cut into 24 evenly sized squares. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use parchment paper in the pan for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Make sure the crust is lightly golden before adding filling for a firm base.
- Cooling completely before slicing prevents the filling from leaking and ensures clean squares.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- For an extra nutty crunch, toast pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
