Get ready to fall in love with the wonderfully simple and irresistibly delicious Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. This treat captures all the rich, nutty, buttery goodness of classic pecan pie but skips the fuss of making a traditional pie. Perfect for busy days or when you just want a sweet reward without all the stress, these bars bring together a golden, flaky crust with a luscious, gooey pecan filling. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering or sneaking a bite after work, they are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find and come together to create a perfect balance of texture and taste—flaky crust, velvety-sweet filling, and crunchy pecans. Each one plays a vital role in crafting this delightful dessert.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (16 oz, 2 crusts): The convenient base that provides a buttery, flaky layer without any extra work.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps keep the filling beautifully gooey and set perfectly.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Brings a deep molasses flavor and rich caramel notes to the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps meld all the filling ingredients together.
- Large eggs (3): Bind everything with a silky texture and structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant hint that elevates the entire flavor profile.
- Pecan halves (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient, providing satisfying crunch and toasty, nutty goodness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan well, ensuring your bars don’t stick and come out cleanly. This simple prep step sets the stage for the perfect crust and easy cleanup.
Step 2: Lay Down the Crust
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently fit them into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Press down carefully to cover the entire bottom, creating a solid, buttery foundation ready to support the sweet filling.
Step 3: Whisk the Filling Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and cohesive. This mixture becomes the luscious heart of your pecan bars.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Fold the pecan halves into your filling mixture, ensuring every nut is coated in that sweet, buttery blend. This guarantees each bar will have that iconic pecan crunch throughout.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust in your baking pan. Place it in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is set and tinged with a golden brown. Once baked, let the bars cool completely to achieve clean slices and that irresistible texture we all crave.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance and a little extra sweetness. For a truly indulgent experience, consider a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to contrast the nutty richness.
Side Dishes
These bars are rich and satisfying on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a rich cup of coffee. If you want to add freshness, a small bowl of fresh berries provides a lovely tart contrast to the dense sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter or arrange them neatly on a dessert tray with sprigs of fresh mint for color. You can even serve warm bars topped with ice cream for a comforting twist that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bars maintain their texture and flavor well, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy weeks.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When it’s time to indulge, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
For a warm, freshly baked feel, pop the bars in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes after thawing. This brings out the buttery aroma and softens the filling just enough without making the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crusts instead of refrigerated ones?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own crust, go for a classic buttery pie dough for that fresh-from-scratch touch. Just make sure to roll it out thin enough to fit your pan as the crust in this recipe should be sturdy but flaky.
What can I substitute for light corn syrup?
If you don’t have light corn syrup, you can use honey or a mild maple syrup as a substitute. Each will slightly change the flavor and texture, but your bars will still be scrumptious and gooey.
Are these bars gluten-free?
As written, this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe uses traditional pie crusts that contain gluten. However, you can use store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crusts to make this dessert gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make sure the pecan filling sets properly?
The key is to bake at the correct temperature and for the full 30 to 35 minutes until the filling looks golden and slightly firm around the edges. Letting it cool completely before cutting helps the filling finish setting perfectly.
Can I add other nuts or mix-ins?
Of course! While pecans are classic, walnuts or a mix of your favorite nuts also work well. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the balance of texture and binding in the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves pecan pie’s flavor but wants a faster, fuss-free method. With its perfectly crisp crust and sumptuous pecan filling, it’s an easy way to bring a classic dessert to your table without the stress. I encourage you to try making these bars for your next occasion or simple dessert craving—you might just find your new favorite go-to treat!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, buttery flavor of traditional pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Using refrigerated pie crusts and a simple pecan filling, this recipe is a convenient and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion.
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Fit Pie Crusts: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, covering the entire surface evenly.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Fold in the pecan halves, ensuring they are all coated with the filling.
- Assemble: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the prepared pie crust in the baking pan, spreading it to cover the crust completely.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Bake until the filling is set and the top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 12 bars for serving.
Notes
- Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting helps achieve clean slices and prevents breaking.
- You can substitute pecan halves with chopped pecans if preferred.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before mixing them into the filling.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
