If you’re craving a sweet, nutty treat that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious, then you absolutely need to try this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. It takes the rich, buttery decadence of traditional pecan pie and transforms it into convenient, portable bars that satisfy any time of day. These bars boast a flaky crust paired with a gooey, caramel-like filling loaded with crunchy pecans, making every bite a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together or a special occasion, these bars are guaranteed to become your new favorite go-to dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward, yet plays a vital role in creating those luscious layers of flavor and texture that make these pecan bars so special. From the flaky pie crust to the buttery, sweet filling, you’ll find that every component is essential to get that perfect balance of crunchy and gooey.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (16 oz, 2 crusts): Using ready-made crusts saves time and ensures a flaky, buttery base for your bars.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): This provides that classic chewy sweetness and helps bind the filling together.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Adds rich caramel notes and depth of flavor to the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Gives the bars a smooth, buttery richness and helps create a tender crust.
- Large eggs (3): Act as the binder, giving structure and a slightly custardy texture to the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Pecan halves (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient that adds crunch, flavor, and that unmistakable nutty goodness.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and accentuates the pecans’ natural flavor.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This ensures the pie bars won’t stick and that you get clean, beautiful slices when serving.
Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust
Next, unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of your greased pan. Take your time to cover every corner and edge, creating an even layer that will hold the filling perfectly. This crust is your delicious foundation, so make sure it’s evenly fitted and smooth.
Step 3: Mix the Pecan Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Be sure to mix until everything is well combined and silky smooth. Then fold in the pecan halves, ensuring each piece is coated with the luscious mixture that will bake into a sticky, caramelized topping.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Filling
Pour your pecan mixture over the prepared pie crust, spreading it out so it’s evenly distributed. This step is key because you want each bar to have the perfect balance of crust and filling in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling has set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. After baking, let your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely. This cooling time allows the filling to firm up just right, making cutting easier and keeping the bars intact.
How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate these pecan pie bars by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of rich, melted chocolate. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side also makes for an irresistible finishing touch. These simple garnishes add a lovely contrast to the dense, nutty filling.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a dessert but also pair wonderfully with fresh seasonal fruit or a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re enjoying them at a brunch or potluck, consider serving with a cheese plate featuring mild, creamy cheeses to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, cut the bars into small, bite-sized squares and arrange them on a colorful platter with some edible flowers or fresh mint sprigs. You can also serve them layered with whipped cream and chopped pecans in individual glass jars for a cute and convenient dessert portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, keep them in the fridge where they will last up to a week. Be sure to cover them well so the bars stay moist and don’t absorb any fridge odors.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars to enjoy later by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you want to warm your pecan bars before serving, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. This refreshes the gooey filling and brings back that just-baked warmth that makes them so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated crusts?
Absolutely! If you prefer making your own pie crust, go right ahead. Just be sure to roll it out thin enough to fit the pan and keep it chilled before baking to maintain the right flaky texture.
What type of pecans works best for this recipe?
Pecan halves are ideal because they give a great crunch and look beautiful on top of the bars. However, chopped pecans can work too if you want smaller pieces throughout the filling.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
This recipe centers around pecans, but you could try replacing them with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and no longer jiggle significantly when you gently shake the pan. The top will turn a lovely golden brown, indicating those sugars have caramelized perfectly.
Is it okay to use dark or light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup is recommended for this recipe because it gives a milder sweetness and maintains a nice color. Dark corn syrup has a stronger molasses flavor that might alter the final taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a homemade pecan dessert that’s both comforting and easy to make, and this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, gifting at holidays, or simply treating yourself to an indulgent slice of heaven. Give it a try—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one bar!
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars featuring a buttery pie crust and a sweet, gooey pecan filling. Perfect for sharing or enjoying as a comforting dessert with minimal effort.
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 ensure the bars won’t stick.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and fit them into the bottom of the greased baking pan, pressing gently to cover the entire bottom evenly.
- Make Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the pecan halves until they are well coated with the filling.
- Pour Filling: Pour the prepared pecan filling evenly over the pie crust layer in the baking pan, ensuring an even spread for consistent baking.
- 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. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars to allow the filling to firm up.
Notes
- Allowing the bars to cool completely ensures cleaner slices and better texture.
- You can substitute light corn syrup with dark corn syrup for a richer flavor.
- For added texture, lightly toast the pecans before mixing them into the filling.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the bars.
- Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
