Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are so easy to make with just five ingredients! You get all the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie without the fuss of making a crust from scratch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple dessert craving. If you love easy bar desserts, try this Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe for another seasonal treat.

Ingredients

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, buttery caramel flavor of traditional pecan pie with minimal effort, featuring a tender shortbread crust and a gooey nut-filled topping.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sticks butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
• 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

Timing

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

Context: These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are about 30% faster than traditional pecan pie recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two opposite sides. This overhang will act as handles, making it easy to lift the finished Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars out of the pan for clean slicing.

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, fork, or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. For the best results, use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust, which helps prevent crumbling later.

Step 3 — Pre-Bake the Crust

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. This partial baking, known as par-baking, ensures your crust stays firm and doesn’t get soggy once the filling is added.

Step 4 — Mix the Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In the same bowl (no need to wash it), whisk together ¾ cup of light corn syrup, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 5 — Add the Pecans

Stir in 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture. For extra flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping, but this is an optional step for the truly “lazy” version.

Step 6 — Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes.

The Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are done when the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the very center when you gently shake the pan. Over-baking can lead to a tough, chewy texture.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This is a crucial step, as the filling needs time to set up properly. Rushing this process will result in messy, gooey bars that are difficult to slice.

Step 8 — Chill and Slice

For the cleanest cuts, cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, or overnight. Use the parchment paper handles to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to slice into squares.

For picture-perfect slices, wipe your knife clean between each cut. Your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are now ready to serve and enjoy!

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

• Protein Powder Crust — Swap part of the flour with vanilla protein powder for a protein boost without sacrificing the classic pecan pie flavor.
• Almond Flour Base — Use almond flour instead of all-purpose for a gluten-free, lower-carb crust with a nutty taste that complements the pecans.
• Coconut Sugar Filling — Replace refined sugars with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index and subtle caramel notes in your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.
• Greek Yogurt Instead of Butter — Substitute half the butter with plain Greek yogurt in the crust for a protein-rich, lower-fat alternative with a tender texture.
• Maple Syrup & Monk Fruit Blend — Use a mix of sugar-free maple syrup and monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbs while keeping the rich, sweet flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Butter Substitute — Opt for plant-based butter or coconut oil to make these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars completely dairy-free.
• Low-Sodium Pecans — Choose unsalted pecans and reduce added salt to create a low-sodium version that lets the natural nutty sweetness shine.
• Chia Egg Binder — Use a chia egg (1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg for a vegan-friendly binding option with added fiber.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
• Serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Bring these easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars to potlucks and holiday gatherings for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Enjoy them as a sweet snack straight from the pan for the ultimate lazy girl moment.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra decadent presentation.
• Cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for a party-friendly finger food option.

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly versatile, making them perfect for everything from a quick personal indulgence to an impressive dessert for guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a warm crust before adding filling. Fix: Always chill the crust thoroughly to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
• Mistake: Overmixing the pecan pie filling. Fix: Gently fold ingredients just until combined to maintain a light texture.
• Mistake: Substituting corn syrup with liquid sweeteners. Fix: Stick with corn syrup for proper crystallization and chewy consistency.
• Mistake: Baking at too high a temperature. Fix: Bake at 350°F (175°C) to cook evenly without burning the pecans.
• Mistake: Not toasting the pecans beforehand. Fix: Toast pecans for 5–7 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Mistake: Cutting bars before they’re fully cooled. Fix: Let Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars set completely for clean slices.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper lining. Fix: Line your pan for easy removal and perfect bar shapes.
• Mistake: Overbaking until the center is firm. Fix: Remove when the center jiggles slightly—it will set as it cools.
• Mistake: Using stale or improperly stored pecans. Fix: Use fresh pecans and store them in airtight containers to avoid rancidity.
• Mistake: Pouring hot filling onto an unbaked crust. Fix: Par-bake the crust first to create a stable, crisp foundation.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Refrigerate promptly to keep them fresh.
• Freezer: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

These simple storage methods ensure your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars stay delicious and safe to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to a classic dessert. If you love easy treats, try our Pumpkin Pie Crumble Bars Recipe next. Give this recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below—don’t forget to subscribe for more simple sweets!

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FAQs

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

Yes, you can prepare these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in advance. They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. This makes them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy schedules.

What makes this recipe a “Lazy Girl” version?

The Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars simplify the classic pie by using a press-in shortbread crust, eliminating the need for a pie crust. This method is much faster and requires less effort, giving you all the delicious flavor of pecan pie with minimal work.

Can I substitute the pecans in this recipe?

You can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer or have an allergy. However, using pecans is traditional and provides the authentic flavor that defines these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. The texture and taste will vary slightly with different nuts.