Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate easy and indulgent treat, combining the rich, sweet flavors of pecan pie with the convenience of a bar cookie. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, caramelized pecan topping, these bars deliver all the deliciousness of traditional pecan pie without the hassle of making a pie crust or dealing with messy pie plates. They’re perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you want a quick, decadent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer the same delicious flavor as a traditional pecan pie, but in a fraction of the time. The simple shortbread crust is buttery and crisp, while the pecan filling is rich, gooey, and studded with crunchy pecans. These bars are easy to make with minimal ingredients, making them a go-to recipe when you’re short on time but still want a dessert that tastes like a showstopper. The best part? They’re cut into convenient, bite-sized bars, making them perfect for sharing!

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pinch of salt

For the pecan filling:

1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped or whole
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the bars from sticking.

2. Make the crust:

In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt until well combined. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it into an even layer.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.

3. Prepare the pecan filling:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

4. Assemble the bars:

Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown around the edges. The center should be slightly jiggly but firm when touched.

5. Cool and serve:

Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish before cutting into squares or bars. This allows the filling to firm up and makes them easier to slice.
Serve as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

6. Enjoy:

Enjoy the rich, gooey, and irresistible flavor of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12-16 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Variations

Chocolate pecan bars: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a delicious chocolate twist.
Use maple syrup: Substitute the corn syrup with maple syrup for a more natural flavor with a hint of maple.
Spiced version: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ground ginger to the filling for a spiced, fall-inspired flavor.
Nut-free: If you want a nut-free version, try substituting the pecans with chopped pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: These bars are great served at room temperature, but you can also reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for a richer, more molasses-like flavor, but the bars will be a little darker in color.

2. Can I use another nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even cashews in place of pecans. Just make sure to chop them if needed.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

5. Can I use honey instead of corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute honey for the corn syrup, but it will change the flavor slightly, making it a bit more floral and less sweet.

6. How do I know when the bars are done?

The bars are done when the filling is set and golden brown around the edges. The center should be firm with just a slight jiggle when touched.

7. Can I add a topping to these bars?

Yes, you can add a drizzle of caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch dish, but be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.

9. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust or shortbread crust to save time. Just bake it according to the package instructions and proceed with the pecan filling.

10. Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution for anyone craving the rich, sweet flavor of pecan pie but without all the work. With a simple shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and minimal ingredients, these bars come together quickly and easily. Whether you’re making them for a holiday dessert, a casual get-together, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these bars are sure to impress everyone with their flavor and simplicity. Enjoy!