You know those days when you want something sweet, but you just can’t be bothered with all the fuss of baking a pie? Well, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are here to save the day! Think of them as the pecan pie you love, but without the hassle of rolling dough or blind baking. All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you’ll have a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and totally irresistible. Whether it’s for a last-minute holiday treat or a quick weeknight dessert, these bars are the perfect solution.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about classic pecan pie but in a way easier format. They’re sweet, nutty, and have that perfect gooey filling that pecan pie lovers crave. The best part? You don’t need to worry about making pie crust, chilling dough, or any of that finicky pie-baking stuff. Instead, you’ll make a simple buttery crust and pour a decadent pecan filling over it. Bake for a little while, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes like it took hours but actually took barely any time at all!
Ingredients
To make these bars, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. I won’t spoil all of them here, but here’s a sneak peek of what’s to come:
- 1 cup of butter (because who doesn’t love butter?)
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 cups of pecans (chopped or whole, your choice)
- 4 large eggs
- Corn syrup (it wouldn’t be a pecan pie without it!)
The full list of ingredients is below, but these are just some of the stars of the show that come together to create the most comforting dessert.
Directions
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Then, cut in the butter (you can do this with your hands or a pastry cutter) until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and a little firm to the touch.
Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust has baked and cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling over it. Make sure the pecans are spread evenly across the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Step 4: Let It Cool and Slice
Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but these bars really need time to set up so they slice neatly. After they’ve cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles, and you’re all set!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Pecans: Make sure your pecans are fresh for the best flavor. If they’ve been sitting in your pantry for a while, they might have lost some of their richness.
- Don’t Overbake: These bars can go from perfectly gooey to a bit too firm if left in the oven for too long. Keep an eye on them, and once the filling looks set (a little jiggle is fine), take them out.
- Chill Before Cutting: These bars are much easier to slice if you let them cool completely (or even refrigerate them for an hour). You’ll get those perfect, clean slices.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Nut-Free Version: If you or someone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, you can replace the pecans with chocolate chips or even toffee bits for a different but still delicious twist.
- Brown Sugar: For a deeper flavor, substitute some of the white sugar with brown sugar in the filling. It’ll add a lovely caramelized taste.
- Add a Dash of Cinnamon: Pecan pie and cinnamon are a match made in heaven. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a warm, spiced note.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These pecan pie bars are rich and indulgent on their own, but they’re even better with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you’re serving them for a special occasion, a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top can take them to the next level. Pair these bars with a nice cup of coffee or a warm mug of tea for the perfect afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They’ll stay deliciously fresh, thanks to that gooey pecan filling.
- Reheating: If you want to enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Or, if you’re reheating a larger batch, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
4 FAQs
- Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars store really well, so they’re perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing.
- Can I use a different nut? Yes! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in place of the pecans. Just make sure to chop them up a bit if you’re using larger nuts.
- Can I freeze these bars? Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Why is my filling runny? If your filling is too runny, it might need a little more baking time. Make sure to check the center—it should be set, not jiggly, before you take it out of the oven.
Conclusion
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to enjoying the classic flavor of pecan pie without the fuss. They’re perfect for a simple dessert or a special treat when you’re short on time. With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, they’re sure to be a hit every time. So, if you’re craving something sweet and nutty, whip up a batch of these bars—you’ll thank yourself later!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: The Easiest Way to Enjoy Pecan Pie Without the Effort
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (bars) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect shortcut to enjoying the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie without any of the hassle. With a buttery, easy-to-make crust and a sweet, nutty filling, they’re a delicious treat for any occasion. Whether you’re craving something sweet or need a quick dessert for a gathering, these bars are sure to please!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Make the crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the flour and sugar. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. - Prepare the filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly coated. - Assemble the bars
Once the crust is golden and slightly cooled, pour the pecan filling over it, spreading it evenly. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden. - Cool and slice
Let the bars cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, cut into squares or bars. Enjoy!
Notes
- These bars store well at room temperature for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, substitute some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the amount of pecans or reduce the corn syrup slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg