Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The Lazy Girl’s Dream: Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy girls everywhere adore these pecan pie bars for their effortless charm and irresistible flavor.

Crushing graham crackers creates a buttery base that melts in your mouth.

Sweet caramel notes dance with crunchy pecans, making each bite a delightful experience.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction without hours of kitchen work.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment stand between you and dessert bliss.

Simple steps guarantee a crowd-pleasing treat that looks like you spent all day baking.

Trust this recipe to become your new go-to dessert that impresses everyone with zero stress.

Pairings for Pecan Pie Bars

Complement the rich, sweet pecan pie bars with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker’s Mark, enhancing the caramel and nutty flavors with its warm, oak-aged notes.

Brew a dark roast coffee or espresso to balance the dessert’s sweetness, cutting through the richness and providing a bold, robust contrast.

Top the warm pecan pie bars with a scoop of vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream, creating a decadent temperature and flavor combination that melts in your mouth.

Select a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling, whose honeyed and fruity undertones will harmonize beautifully with the pecan’s caramelized sweetness.

Proper Storage for Pecan Pie Bars

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
  • Warm bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the crust's crispness and prevent filling from becoming too runny.

FAQs

  • What makes this pie bar different from traditional pecan pie?

These bars use pre-made pie crust, making them much easier and faster to prepare compared to traditional pecan pie that requires making a pie crust from scratch.

  • Can I use light or dark corn syrup?

Both light and dark corn syrup work well in this recipe. Dark corn syrup will give a slightly deeper, richer flavor, while light corn syrup provides a milder taste.

  • How do I know when the pecan bars are fully baked?

The bars are done when the filling is set (not jiggly) and the top is golden brown, typically after 30-35 minutes of baking at 350F. The edges will also look slightly firm and set.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Simplify Baking: Ditch complex pie-making techniques with this straightforward, no-fuss pecan bar recipe that transforms traditional pie into an easy-to-serve dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Guaranteed to wow guests at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations with its classic flavor and irresistible nutty crunch.
  • Minimal Prep Required: Uses pre-made pie crust and basic pantry ingredients, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want a delicious dessert without extensive kitchen work.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored easily, allowing stress-free entertaining and satisfying sweet cravings with minimal last-minute effort.

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

Pie Crust:
  • Refrigerated Pie Crust: A pre-made pastry base that provides a quick and easy foundation for the pecan pie bars.
Filling Base:
  • Corn Syrup: A sweet, thick liquid that helps create a smooth and glossy filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the pie bars.
  • Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the filling ingredients together.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the custard-like texture of the filling.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
  • Pecan Halves: The star ingredient that gives the bars their nutty crunch and signature taste.

How to Bake Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Lay the Crust Foundation

Unroll those pre-made pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of your pan. Make sure the entire surface is covered with a smooth, even layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Gooey Goodness

In a big mixing bowl, grab a whisk and combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Whisk everything until it’s silky smooth. Toss in the pecan halves and stir until they’re completely coated in the sweet mixture.

Step 4: Create the Pecan Paradise

Pour the luscious pecan filling over the crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling sets like a dream.

Let it cool completely before slicing into irresistible bars.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

  • Press pie crust gently and evenly to prevent air pockets, ensuring a solid base for your bars.
  • Cover edges with aluminum foil if the crust browns too quickly during baking.
  • Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, uniform mixture that sets perfectly.
  • Let bars cool completely at room temperature for clean, neat cut lines.
  • Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Variations on Pecan Pie Bars

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust. Use certified gluten-free corn syrup and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Vegan Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or aquafaba. Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of corn syrup. Choose vegan-friendly pie crust.
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder to the filling mixture. Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the bars after baking for extra richness.
  • Low-Sugar Pecan Pie Bars: Replace corn syrup with sugar-free maple syrup. Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor.
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet indulgence meets simplicity in these lazy girl pecan pie bars, a delightful dessert that combines rich caramel notes with buttery pecans. Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor, making these bars a perfect treat for busy bakers seeking a quick and delicious homemade dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 package (16 ounces/454 grams) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

Seasonings and Flavors:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch pan with a thin layer of grease, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the greased pan, creating a seamless base that covers the entire surface.
  3. Combine corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
  4. Fold pecan halves into the liquid mixture, stirring carefully to ensure each nut is evenly coated with the sweet syrup.
  5. Carefully distribute the pecan-infused filling across the pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a consistent layer.
  6. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a set filling that indicates complete cooking.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling firm up and makes cutting easier.
  8. Once cooled, slice into rectangular bars, serving as a delectable dessert that combines crisp crust with gooey, nutty filling.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better blending and smoother filling consistency when mixing ingredients.
  • Prevent soggy crust by pre-baking the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, ensuring a crisp and flaky base.
  • Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetener option that adds unique depth to the pecan bar’s flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 357 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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