Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the easiest way to enjoy all the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors of classic pecan pie—without the hassle! These bars feature a simple shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling, making them the perfect treat for holidays, potlucks, or a quick dessert fix. No rolling out pie dough, no special equipment—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easier Than Pie – No need to roll out dough or fuss with a pie crust.
- Gooey & Buttery Perfection – All the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in handheld form.
- Quick & Simple – Uses pantry staples and comes together in minutes.
- Perfect for a Crowd – Easily cut into squares for serving at parties or gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Pecan Filling:
- Brown sugar
- Corn syrup (light or dark)
- Eggs
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Make the Crust – In a bowl, mix flour, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla until crumbly. Press into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling – Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble & Bake – Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool & Slice – Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12-16 bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Bars – Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a delicious twist.
- Maple Pecan Bars – Swap the corn syrup for maple syrup for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Nut-Free Option – Use sunflower seeds or oats instead of pecans.
- Boozy Version – Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for extra warmth and depth.
- Gluten-Free Alternative – Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze bars in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I make these bars without corn syrup?
Yes! Substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a mixture of brown sugar and water.
How do I know when the pecan filling is set?
The filling should be firm in the center and slightly jiggly but not liquid.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead?
For an even easier version, you can use a pre-made pie crust pressed into the pan.
Do I have to pre-bake the crust?
Yes! This ensures the crust stays firm and doesn’t become soggy.
Can I add whole pecans instead of chopped?
Yes! Whole pecans will create a more traditional pecan pie look.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Chill them in the fridge before slicing with a sharp knife for neat edges.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Use a larger pan or bake in two 9×13-inch pans.
Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the filling from cracking?
Avoid overbaking and let the bars cool slowly at room temperature.
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes! Coconut sugar or dark brown sugar can be used for a richer taste.
Conclusion
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars give you all the delicious flavors of pecan pie with a fraction of the effort. Perfectly sweet, gooey, and buttery, these bars are great for any occasion. Try them out for your next holiday gathering or whenever you’re craving an easy, no-fuss dessert!
PrintLazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy version of classic pecan pie, these bars have a soft, buttery crust and a rich, caramelized pecan filling. No rolling out dough required!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box (about 15–16 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Pecan Filling:
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup (or maple syrup)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) chopped pecan
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cake mix, melted butter, and egg until combined. The dough will be thick.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
2. Bake the Crust
- Bake for 10 minutes, just until slightly set. Remove from the oven and set aside.
3. Make the Pecan Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Bake the Bars
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly gooey.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Cut into squares and serve as-is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Notes
No cake mix? Substitute with 2 cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Want extra crunch? Use whole pecan halves on top for a pretty finish.
Make ahead: Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
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