Delicious Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a simplified version of the classic pecan pie, turning the rich, sweet flavors of the traditional dessert into an easy-to-make, portable bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust, a gooey pecan filling, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top, these bars are perfect for satisfying your pecan pie cravings without the fuss. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you want a quick and indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These pecan pie bars take all the wonderful flavors of pecan pie and turn them into a super easy-to-make dessert. The shortbread crust gives a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth foundation that complements the sweet, nutty filling. You don’t have to worry about making a pie crust from scratch or worrying about the pie’s consistency—this recipe is foolproof, and you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Plus, they’re portable, making them ideal for a crowd or as a sweet snack on the go!

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

• 2 large eggs

• 3/4 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a more natural flavor)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups pecan halves or pieces

Directions

Make the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix it with your hands or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms a crumbly dough.

3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to press it down gently but firmly.

4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. While the crust is baking, prepare the filling.

Make the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

2. Stir in the pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed in the filling mixture.

3. Once the crust has baked and cooled for a few minutes, pour the pecan filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the Bars:

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can test doneness by gently shaking the pan; the filling should jiggle slightly but should not appear runny.

2. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to slice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12-16 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Prep time is around 10 minutes, bake time is 40-45 minutes, and you’ll need an additional 30 minutes to cool before cutting, so they’re ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Variations

I like to:

• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.

• Drizzle some melted chocolate over the top for a chocolatey twist on classic pecan pie.

• Substitute the pecans for walnuts or mixed nuts for a different texture and taste.

• For a bit of extra richness, add a few tablespoons of butter to the filling mixture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup, but it will result in a richer, more molasses-flavored filling. Both options work well, depending on your taste preference.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of these pecan pie bars.

Conclusion

Delicious Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the indulgent flavors of classic pecan pie without the hassle of making a traditional pie. With a buttery crust, gooey filling, and toasted pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or a sweet snack. These bars are quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for anyone who loves pecan pie but wants a simpler, fuss-free version!