Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate simple and delicious dessert hack. They deliver all the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie without the fuss of making a crust from scratch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or last-minute cravings, this easy recipe uses a shortcut crust and a gooey pecan filling that bakes to perfection. If you enjoy pecan desserts, you might also love these Homemade Pecan Pie Cookies Recipe.

Ingredients

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie with a fraction of the effort, combining a tender shortbread crust with a gooey, nut-packed topping.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come together about 20% faster than traditional pecan pie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven

Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy removal. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars bake evenly from the start.

Step 2 — Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. A flat-bottomed glass can help compact it. Pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden at the edges.

Step 3 — Prepare the Pecan Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together ¾ cup light corn syrup, ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.

Stir in 1 ½ cups chopped pecans until they are fully coated. For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the pecans beforehand.

Step 4 — Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, ensuring the pecans are distributed uniformly.

Work quickly so the warm crust helps the filling set properly as it bakes.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the 350°F oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but still have a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.

Overbaking can make the bars tough, so watch for that key jiggle cue.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

Place the pan on a wire rack and let the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan—this will take at least 2 hours. The filling will firm up as it cools.

Resist the urge to cut them warm, as they will be too soft and messy.

Step 7 — Slice and Serve

Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars with a sharp knife.

For clean cuts, wipe the knife blade between slices. Enjoy your easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars!

Nutritional Information

Calories	380
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	22g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Almond flour crust — Creates a gluten-free base with nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with pecan filling.
• Greek yogurt instead of butter — Adds protein while maintaining moisture with a subtle tang.
• Coconut sugar or monk fruit — Lower glycemic alternatives that provide caramel-like sweetness without refined sugar.
• Maple syrup reduction — Use half the amount of concentrated maple syrup for intense flavor with less sugar.
• Egg white substitute — Replace whole eggs with whipped aquafaba for dairy-free binding with lighter texture.
• Dark chocolate drizzle — Add antioxidant-rich dark chocolate instead of additional corn syrup for garnish.
• Sea salt sprinkle — Use flaky sea salt sparingly on top to enhance flavors while controlling sodium intake.
• Coconut oil shortening — Provides dairy-free fat alternative with subtle coconut notes in the crust.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
• Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Bring these easy pecan pie bars to potlucks and holiday gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Create an elegant dessert platter by cutting the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars into small squares and arranging them with fresh fruit.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet midday energy boost.
• Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are wonderfully versatile – they work equally well as a casual family dessert or dressed up for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overmixing the shortbread crust, which makes it tough. Fix: Mix just until the dough comes together for a tender, crumbly base.
• Mistake: Using cold butter for the crust, leading to uneven texture. Fix: Use room temperature butter to ensure it creams evenly with the sugar.
• Mistake: Pouring hot filling onto an unbaked crust, causing sogginess. Fix: Always pre-bake the crust until lightly golden to create a moisture barrier.
• Mistake: Overbaking the pecan layer, resulting in a rubbery texture. Fix: Bake just until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
• Mistake: Not toasting the pecans first, which mutes their flavor. Fix: Toast pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F to enhance their nutty taste.
• Mistake: Cutting bars before they’re fully cooled, causing them to fall apart. Fix: Let Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely, then chill for cleaner slices.
• Mistake: Substituting corn syrup with honey 1:1, altering sweetness and texture. Fix: If using honey, reduce other liquids slightly and expect a chewier bar.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper, making removal difficult. Fix: Line your pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
• Mistake: Spreading the crust too thin, so it can’t support the filling. Fix: Press the crust evenly into the pan, about ¼-inch thick.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm, gooey texture, reheat individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Always ensure leftovers are cooled to room temperature before storing. For food safety, do not leave these pecan pie bars at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the classic flavor with minimal effort. If you love pecan desserts, try our Brown Sugar Pecan Pie Recipe or Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe. Give this recipe a try and share your results in the comments!

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FAQs

Why are these called Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

They are called Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars because the recipe simplifies the traditional pecan pie process. You get all the delicious flavor without the fuss of making a pie crust from scratch. These bars are the ultimate easy dessert.

Can I make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. They store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for several days. This makes them a perfect make-ahead treat for parties or busy weeks.

What is the best way to cut Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cleanly?

For the cleanest cuts, let the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice. Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for a short time before cutting can also help.