If you’ve been craving a dessert that’s both irresistibly rich and surprisingly simple to make, the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is about to become your newest obsession. This delightful treat transforms the classic pecan pie into easy-to-handle bars packed with buttery, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans atop a tender, golden crust. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal indulgence, these bars capture all the luscious flavors without the fuss, making them a go-to for anyone who loves a sweet, comforting dessert with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor combination. From the rich and soft butter in the crust to the sticky sweetness of light corn syrup in the filling, these simple ingredients come together beautifully to make an unforgettable treat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base for the crust’s tender crumb.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the crust its structure and slight chew.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the buttery crust.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the filling ingredients together and contributes to the custardy texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Creates that classic gooey, caramel-like filling central to pecan pie flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed: Deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses and enhances the filling’s richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out sweetness and amplifies the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: Adds crunch and a toasty nutty taste that’s essential for any pecan pie bar.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the softened butter, flour, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and sticks together slightly. This simple blend promises a buttery, tender crust that will hold the filling beautifully.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s compact so it bakes into a firm base. Bake it for 15 to 20 minutes, or until you notice a light golden color forming. This step ensures your crust won’t get soggy once the filling goes on.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the crust is baking, mix the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt together until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure every nut is evenly coated in that rich, syrupy batter.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling mixture over the baked crust and spread it evenly. Return the pan to the oven, baking for 30 to 35 minutes until the filling is set and the top turns a beautiful golden brown. The smell filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up perfectly, making clean squares that hold together well for serving.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars are delicious on their own, but adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate takes them to another level. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the sweet and nutty flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pecan filling. A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the comforting warmth of the bars wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider stacking the bars on a pretty plate for a rustic appeal or wrapping individual squares with parchment paper and tying with twine for a charming gift presentation. For parties, serve them alongside other bite-sized desserts to create a tempting dessert buffet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Keeping them covered will keep the crust crisp and the filling moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. They freeze well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your pecan pie bars warm, gently reheat them in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes or microwave individual squares for about 15 seconds. This will restore the gooey, melty texture that makes them so addictive.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds also make delicious substitutes. Just be sure to chop them to similar sizes for even baking and texture.
Is light corn syrup necessary for this recipe?
Corn syrup helps achieve the classic chewy, caramel-like consistency in the filling, but you can substitute with maple syrup or honey for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. The texture may vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
How do I know when the filling is done baking?
The filling should appear set and no longer jiggly in the center. A slight golden color on top is a good indicator it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Should I chill the bars before cutting?
It’s best to let the bars cool completely at room temperature to allow the filling to firm up. Chilling is not required but can make slicing neater if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
The Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a truly wonderful way to enjoy all the cozy, buttery goodness of pecan pie without all the effort of pie making. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, these bars bring delight with every bite. I can’t wait for you to make them and discover just how easy and satisfying this dessert can be!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Featuring a buttery crumbly crust topped with a luscious, gooey pecan filling, these bars are perfect for quick dessert fixes, potlucks, or anytime sweet cravings strike. With minimal fuss and simple ingredients, they deliver classic holiday indulgence with very little effort.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the softened butter, all-purpose flour, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and well-combined, forming the base dough.
- Press and Bake the Crust: Evenly press the crumbly dough into the bottom of a prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and has turned a golden brown color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set fully. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and proper filling set.
- You can toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor if desired.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
