Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert, capturing all the rich, gooey flavor of a classic pie with just five minutes of hands-on prep. The simple press-in crust and no-fuss filling make them perfect for holiday gatherings or a quick sweet treat. If you love easy bar recipes, you might also enjoy these Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies Recipe or the festive Santa’s Sweet & Spicy Snack Mix Recipe.

Ingredients

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, buttery, and nutty goodness of the classic dessert with minimal fuss. The shortbread crust is tender and crumbly, perfectly complementing the gooey, sweet pecan filling.

• For the Crust:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, cold
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a different 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, chopped

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: This streamlined process is about 30% faster than a traditional pecan pie recipe, making these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars the ultimate shortcut dessert.

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 creates a sling for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2 — Make the Shortbread Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch 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. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown.

Step 3 — Whisk the Filling

While the crust bakes, make the gooey 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 and pieces.

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. Carefully return the pan to the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. The top will be golden and beautifully bubbly.

Step 6 — Cool Completely

This is the most important step for clean slices! Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Then, transfer the entire pan to the refrigerator and chill for 2-3 hours, or until completely firm.

Step 7 — Slice & Serve

Use the parchment paper sling to lift the entire slab of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into squares with a sharp knife. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife clean between slices.

Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

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

Note: These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars nutrition facts are estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor them to your dietary preferences without sacrificing the classic flavor.

• Protein-Packed Crust — Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or oat flour. This adds a nutty depth, boosts protein, and makes the bars naturally gluten-free.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Replace the corn syrup or brown sugar with a monk fruit blend or allulose. This cuts carbs significantly while maintaining the gooey, sweet filling pecan pie is known for.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Use a high-quality vegan butter or coconut oil in both the crust and filling. Coconut oil will impart a subtle, pleasant tropical note.
• Egg Substitute — For a vegan version, a flax egg or commercial egg replacer works well to bind the filling, though the texture may be slightly less firm.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Simply omit added salt from the crust or use unsalted butter. The natural sweetness and toasted pecans provide plenty of flavor.
• Sugar-Free Syrup — Opt for a sugar-free pancake syrup instead of corn syrup. Look for one with a neutral flavor profile to let the toasted pecans shine.
• Boosted Fiber — Mix a tablespoon of ground flax or chia seeds into the crust mixture. This adds fiber and a wholesome, earthy element.
• Nut & Seed Variation — Use a mix of pecans and walnuts, or try sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Different nuts will subtly alter the final flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these easy pecan pie bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.
• For a brunch or afternoon tea, serve them alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.
• Turn them into a festive holiday platter by arranging the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with other seasonal cookies and treats.
• Drizzle with a little melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt just before serving for a gourmet touch.
• Pack them in individual treat bags for a convenient, grab-and-go dessert or a sweet addition to a lunchbox.
• For a beautiful presentation, dust the bars lightly with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly versatile. Their rich, gooey texture and buttery shortbread crust make them perfect for everything from a casual potluck to an elegant dinner party finale.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a warm crust before adding the filling. Fix: Always chill your pressed-in crust for 15 minutes to prevent a greasy, soggy bottom.
• Mistake: Over-mixing the shortbread crust dough. Fix: Mix just until the dough clumps; overworking develops gluten, making it tough.
• Mistake: Pouring hot filling onto an unbaked crust. Fix: Par-bake the crust for 15-20 minutes to create a stable, flaky barrier.
• Mistake: Not toasting the pecans first. Fix: Toast nuts on a sheet pan at 350°F for 7-10 minutes to unlock deep, nutty flavor.
• Mistake: Under-baking the filling, leading to a runny center. Fix: Bake until the center is set and only slightly jiggles, about 30-35 minutes.
• Mistake: Cutting the bars before they are completely cool. Fix: Let the pan cool on a wire rack for 2+ hours so the filling firms up for clean slices.
• Mistake: Using dark corn syrup exclusively for the filling. Fix: Use a blend of light and dark corn syrup or add a tablespoon of molasses for balanced sweetness and color.
• Mistake: Skipping the salt in the filling. Fix: A pinch of flaky sea salt in the filling cuts the sweetness and enhances the caramel notes.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan with pecans. Fix: Arrange nuts in a single, even layer so every bite has perfect texture and coverage.
• Mistake: Storing bars stacked while still warm. Fix: Store cooled bars in a single layer with parchment between them to prevent sticking and sogginess.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain their texture and prevents the filling from becoming too soft.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, reheat bars in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave a single bar for 10-15 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety if you are reheating from a chilled or frozen state.

Proper storage is key to enjoying these easy pecan pie bars at their best. Whether you keep them on hand for a quick treat or make them ahead for a gathering, these tips ensure your dessert stays delicious.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to classic pie flavor without the fuss. I hope you love this easy dessert as much as we do! Give the recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments. For more simple sweets, check out my German Chocolate Pie Recipe or The Best Banana Caramel Cake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more effortless recipes!

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FAQs

Why are these called Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

They are called Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars because they capture all the flavor of a classic pecan pie with far less effort. You skip the fuss of a homemade pie crust and simply press a shortbread crust into a pan before adding the filling.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are excellent for making ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week, letting them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

How do I prevent the bars from being too gooey or too hard?

The key is to bake them just until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Overbaking makes them hard, while underbaking leaves them too gooey. Let the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in the pan to firm up perfectly.