Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
If you’re craving the unmistakable taste of pecan pie but want something quicker and easier, you have to try this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. It transforms the classic pie into simple, buttery bars that are easy to whip up and perfect for sharing. With a tender, flaky crust holding a gooey, nutty filling packed with pecan halves, these bars offer all the rich, sweet indulgence of traditional pecan pie without the fuss. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or a cozy treat to enjoy with coffee, this recipe is a total winner that combines ease and flavor in the best possible way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is your first step to success, and with this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe, the pantry staples do the heavy lifting. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the buttery crust to the sweet, luscious filling and the satisfying crunch of pecans.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (16 oz, 2 crusts): These ready-made crusts save time while providing a flaky, buttery base.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): Adds smooth sweetness and helps bind the pecan topping perfectly.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Gives depth of flavor and caramel-like richness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Brings a silky texture and enhances the buttery taste.
- Large eggs (3): Act as the natural binder to create that perfect filling consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and an inviting aroma to the filling.
- Pecan halves (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient offering crunch and nutty goodness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness perfectly and brightens all the flavors.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×13-inch baking pan ensures your pie bars will slip out effortlessly once baked. This prep might seem simple, but it’s key for a smooth finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of your greased baking pan. Cover the entire base evenly to form a sturdy, buttery foundation for the filling. This crust is going to be crisp yet tender, perfectly complementing the gooey pecan topping.
Step 3: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until you get a smooth, luscious mixture. Then, fold in the pecan halves, making sure they’re nicely coated with the sweet syrup mixture. This step is where the magic happens – the filling gets its irresistible texture and flavor here!
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Pour your pecan mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Spread it out so each bar gets a generous amount of nuts and filling. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling sets and turns a beautiful golden brown. Let the bars cool completely before slicing, giving that filling time to firm up and making cutting far easier.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
These bars shine on their own, but adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them over the top. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add visual appeal and another layer of indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries balances the sweetness and keeps the dessert feeling fresh. For an extra cozy touch, serve with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement all the warm flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Present these bars on a wooden serving board for rustic charm or stack them on elegant dessert plates for a special occasion. You can even cut them into bite-sized squares for parties or potlucks—perfect finger food! Adding chopped pecans or edible gold flakes sprinkled on top creates a festive vibe without added effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate to extend freshness. Stored properly, these bars maintain their perfect chewy-crunchy texture and flavor, making them easy to grab for a quick treat.
Freezing
If you want to make these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. They can be kept frozen for up to two months, making them a convenient option for emergencies or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy the bars warm, simply thaw them at room temperature and then heat briefly in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This warms the filling and refreshes the crust’s crispness while preserving all those classic pecan pie flavors.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated crusts?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust works wonderfully and adds your personal touch. Just be sure it’s rolled out to fit the 9×13-inch pan and keep it chilled before baking to ensure flakiness.
What can I substitute for light corn syrup?
If you don’t have corn syrup on hand, a common substitute is golden syrup or a simple homemade mixture of honey and water. Keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture but won’t compromise the delicious flavor.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Look for the filling to be set but still slightly wobbly in the center. The top should be golden brown and the pecans toasted. If the filling jiggles too much, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Sure! You can replace pecans with sunflower seeds or chopped pretzels for a different crunch. Just be mindful that the classic pecan flavor is a big part of what makes this recipe special.
Will these bars be good the next day?
Yes! These bars actually taste even better after resting overnight as the flavors deepen and the filling becomes firmer. Just be sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe elevates a beloved classic into a fuss-free, delicious treat. Whether you’re new to baking or just want an easy but impressive dessert, these bars offer a perfect balance of rich sweetness, buttery crust, and nutty crunch. Give them a try and watch your family and friends ask for seconds!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are an effortless and delicious twist on traditional pecan pie, featuring a buttery pie crust base topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, nutty treat in bar form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and carefully fit them into the bottom of the greased baking pan, pressing gently to cover the entire surface evenly.
- Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and combined. Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Pour Filling: Pour the pecan filling mixture evenly over the pie crust in the baking pan, spreading it out to ensure an even layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 servings.
Notes
- Ensure the pie crust is fully pressed down to avoid air bubbles during baking.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow bars to cool completely to let the filling set properly for clean slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a deeper flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
