There’s something truly delightful about Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. They capture the essence of a classic pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. I remember the first time I made these bars – the warm aroma of sweet, toasty pecans wafting through my kitchen was enough to draw everyone in. This recipe is easy and approachable, perfect for busy days when you crave something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
These bars are a fabulous treat, boasting a buttery crust with a rich and chewy filling. They’re great for gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in. Who doesn’t love the crunch of pecans paired with that sweet, sticky filling?
Why you’ll love lazy girl pecan pie bars
- Quick to prepare and bake
- Sweet and crunchy texture
- Perfect for sharing and gatherings
- No pie crust experience needed
- Great for make-ahead treats
What ingredients do I need for lazy girl pecan pie bars?
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (crust)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (crust)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (crust)
- 2 large eggs (filling)
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup (filling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (filling)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (filling)
- 1/4 tsp salt (filling)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (filling)
Ingredient notes & swaps:
- Unsalted butter can be replaced with salted butter, just reduce added salt.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour mix in the crust and filling.
How do I make lazy girl pecan pie bars step-by-step?
To make these delicious bars, start by preparing the crust, followed by the filling, and bake until set. It’s an easy process!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour and sugar for the crust, then cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.
Pro Tip: If you want an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
How should I serve it?
You can serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars as they are, but for a special touch, consider dusting them with powdered sugar. They pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re looking for that perfect dessert experience.
Can I make it ahead? How do I store and reheat it?
Absolutely! These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3–5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, they can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge and serve cold or bring them to room temperature.
How do I fix common issues?
- Dry texture: Ensure not to overbake the bars; they should be set but not hard.
- Bland flavor: Use high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste.
- Soggy crust: Make sure the crust is baked just until golden before adding the filling.
- Overcooked filling: Keep an eye on your oven to prevent burning, testing for doneness by a light jiggle in the center.
What variations can I try?
You can experiment by adding chocolate chips or a splash of bourbon for added depth of flavor. For those who love spice, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling can elevate the taste beautifully. And if you want to switch up the nuts, walnuts or almonds work great too!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans for a different flavor and texture.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the butter with a plant-based option like coconut oil or vegan butter.
How do I know when they’re done baking?
The bars should be set and lightly browned on top; a slight jiggle in the center is okay as they will firm up as they cool.
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour and sugar for the crust, then cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, and salt until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned on top.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.