Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things simple in the kitchen, this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your new best friend. It captures all the rich, buttery goodness of classic pecan pie but in a neat, easy-to-cut bar form that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey, nutty filling loaded with toasted pecans — it’s practically peerless when it comes to satisfying that comforting dessert craving with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is all about straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together magically to create a delightful dessert. Each element plays a special role — from creating a sturdy yet tender crust to forming that luscious, syrupy pecan layer that’s the star of the show.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a buttery crust that holds up when sliced.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and flakiness to the crust, helping it brown beautifully.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and lightens the crust, giving a delicate texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for crust): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes essential for that classic pecan pie flavor.
• 1 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling its gooey, sticky texture and that iconic shine.
• 4 large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and create a smooth custard base.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic depth into the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (for filling): Intensifies the flavor and rounds out the sweetness.
• 2 cups chopped pecans: Adds satisfying crunch and a toasty nutty flavor that makes pecan pie bars so irresistible.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to make removing the bars super easy later. This step is crucial for ensuring an even bake and simple cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Crust Dough

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend everything together until you get a crumbly dough that clumps when pressed. This will form the buttery base that supports all the luscious filling.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Press the dough evenly across the bottom of the lined pan. Make sure to spread it out nicely for an even thickness. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. This pre-baking ensures the crust sets up well before adding the filling, preventing any sogginess.

Step 4: Whisk the Filling

While the crust is in the oven, whisk together 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, 1 cup corn syrup, 4 large eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. This luscious filling is the magic behind those gooey, sweet bars.

Step 5: Add the Pecans

Fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans to the filling mixture. The nuts will bring texture and that signature pecan flavor, turning this bar into a perfect bite of nutty heaven.

Step 6: Pour the Filling Over the Crust

Once the crust is out of the oven and still warm, carefully pour the pecan filling evenly over its surface. The warmth of the crust helps the filling settle perfectly into a smooth layer.

Step 7: Bake Until Set

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the center to be just set, so the bars have that classic chewy, gooey texture without being too runny.

Step 8: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely right in the pan. This cooling time is essential for the bars to firm up so you can slice them neatly without crumbling.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

Use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the entire block from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and slice into 24 squares. These bars are now ready to delight your taste buds or impress your guests with minimal effort!

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Garnishes

To make your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe really shine, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for an elegant dusting. You can also add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate each bite even more.

Side Dishes

Pecan pie bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The contrast of warm, nutty bars with cold ice cream or the invigorating flavors of coffee rounds out the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to add a wow factor for a party or gift, serve the bars on a rustic wooden board with pecan halves scattered around. Wrap individual bars in parchment paper and tie with twine for a charming homemade gift presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your batch, store any leftover pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the bars moist and fresh without drying out the crust or filling.

Freezing

You can freeze these bars for longer storage by wrapping individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you like your bars warm, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until they’re gently warmed through. This helps revive that freshly baked gooey texture and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and delicious, you can swap in walnuts, almonds, or even a nut mix depending on your preference or what you have on hand.

Why is corn syrup used in the filling?

Corn syrup gives the filling its signature sticky, smooth texture while helping prevent crystallization of the sugars. It’s key for that perfect gooey consistency in pecan bars.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, but results may vary. The crust might be a bit more crumbly, so choose a blend that includes binding agents like xanthan gum.

How can I tell when the bars are done baking?

The center should be just set and slightly jiggly but not liquidy. The edges will be firm and golden brown, signaling your bars are perfectly baked.

Is it better to use salted or unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the salt level in the recipe precisely. Using salted butter might make the bars too salty, which can overpower the sweet filling.

Final Thoughts

If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is your answer. The combination of a tender crust, buttery pecan filling, and easy preparation makes it a bona fide crowd-pleaser. I promise once you try these bars, you’ll reach for this recipe again and again whenever you need a failproof, delicious treat.

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