Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe delivers all the rich, gooey goodness of classic pecan pie with just five minutes of hands-on prep. Using a simple press-in crust and a no-fuss filling, it’s the ultimate shortcut dessert for any occasion. If you love easy treats, try the Church Lady Butter Toffee Pretzels Recipe or the Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Cookies Recipe for more quick, crowd-pleasing sweets.

Ingredients

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver the classic, gooey filling and buttery shortbread crust with minimal fuss. The aroma of toasted pecans and brown sugar baking is pure holiday comfort.

• For the Crust:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sticks butter (1 cup), cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• For the Filling:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup (or dark corn syrup for a deeper flavor)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups pecans, in pieces (or halves for a prettier top)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	40 minutes
Total Time	55 minutes

Context: This streamlined process for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is about 30% faster than making a traditional pecan pie from scratch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan & Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This “sling” makes removing the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars effortless after baking.

Step 2 — Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Cut in ½ cup of 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. Pre-bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.

Step 3 — Whisk the Filling

While the crust bakes, prepare the simple filling. In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup of light corn syrup, ⅔ cup of packed brown sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until completely smooth.

Step 4 — Add the Pecans

Stir in 1 ½ to 2 cups of pecan halves or pieces until they are fully coated in the syrupy mixture. For the best texture, use a mix of halves for presentation and pieces for easier slicing.

Step 5 — Assemble & Bake

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust, spreading the nuts into an even layer. Working quickly helps the layers bond.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

This is the most crucial step for clean cuts! Let the baked Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. The filling will continue to set as it cools.

Step 7 — Slice & 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 the cleanest slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fat	19g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	150mg

Note: These are estimated values for one Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bar, calculated using standard ingredients. Actual nutrition may vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor them to different dietary needs without sacrificing that classic, gooey flavor.

• Protein-Packed Crust — Swap half the all-purpose flour for almond flour or oat flour. This adds a nutty depth, boosts protein, and creates a more tender, crumbly base for your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Replace the corn syrup or brown sugar with a monk fruit or allulose blend. This cuts carbs significantly while still providing the necessary sweetness and syrupy texture for the filling.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality plant-based butter stick (not spread) in the crust and filling. The flavor and browning properties are nearly identical, making it a seamless swap.
• Gluten-Free Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the crust. For best texture, look for a blend that contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure of traditional flour.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Omit any added salt in the crust and use unsalted butter or its plant-based equivalent. The natural sweetness and toasted pecans provide plenty of flavor.
• Maple or Date Syrup — For a less processed sweetener with rich notes, substitute light corn syrup with pure maple syrup or date syrup. This adds a complex, caramel-like flavor to the bars.
• Egg Substitute — For a vegan version, a commercial egg replacer or a “flax egg” (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) works well to bind the filling, though the texture may be slightly less firm.
• Nut-Free Variation — Replace the pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas). You’ll still get a delightful crunch and a similar nutritional profile, perfect for allergy-friendly Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic, decadent dessert.
• For a brunch or holiday spread, serve them alongside a pot of freshly brewed coffee or a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream.
• Transform them into an elegant plated dessert by crumbling a bar over a bowl of cinnamon-spiced apples or pumpkin mousse.
• Pack them for a picnic or potluck—their bar form makes them perfectly portable and mess-free.
• For a festive touch, dust the tops with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt or edible gold dust before serving.
• Offer a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or melted chocolate for guests to customize their own Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.

However you choose to serve them, these bars are the ultimate effortless treat for any occasion, from a casual weeknight to a special celebration.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a hot crust for the filling, causing a soggy bottom. Fix: Always let the shortbread crust cool completely before adding the pecan pie layer.
• Mistake: Overmixing the shortbread dough, which makes it tough. Fix: Mix just until the dough comes together; a few crumbly bits are fine.
• Mistake: Not toasting the pecans, resulting in a bland, raw nut flavor. Fix: Toast pecans for 7-10 minutes at 350°F to deepen their flavor before adding.
• Mistake: Overbaking the bars, leading to a dry, crumbly texture. Fix: Bake just until the center is set with a slight jiggle; it will firm up as it cools.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper, making bars impossible to lift out cleanly. Fix: Line your pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• Mistake: Substituting corn syrup with honey 1:1, which can make the filling too runny. Fix: If substituting, reduce other liquids slightly and expect a chewier, darker bar.
• Mistake: Cutting the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars while they are still warm. Fix: Let them cool completely, then chill for 1-2 hours for perfectly clean slices.
• Mistake: Pressing the crust too thickly, creating an unbalanced bar. Fix: Use your fingers to press the dough into a thin, even layer across the pan.
• Mistake: Not stirring the filling thoroughly, causing separation. Fix: Whisk the egg, sugar, and syrup mixture vigorously until completely smooth and emulsified.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars completely, then store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. These easy pecan pie bars will keep well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For a warm, gooey texture, reheat a bar in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Always let frozen bars thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best texture and food safety.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to classic pecan pie flavor without the fuss. If you love easy bar recipes, you might also enjoy our M M M Marshmallow Dream Bars Recipe or Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Why are these called Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

They earn the “Lazy Girl” name by simplifying the classic pie process. You get all the flavor of pecan pie without making a fussy crust or dealing with a delicate filling. These easy bars are the ultimate shortcut to that rich, nutty dessert.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then cover and keep them at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a firmer texture. They are perfect for making in advance for parties or gifts.

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

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. For the neatest slices, chill the pan briefly before cutting. This helps set the gooey filling, ensuring your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars hold their shape perfectly when served.