Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

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

this Recipe

(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

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. 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.
3. Prepare the Filling – Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the chopped pecans.
4. Assemble & Bake – Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
5. 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!

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