Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Heavenly Treats Made Simple

Lazy girl pecan pie bars have just become your ultimate dessert shortcut.

Nobody wants complicated baking when sweet cravings hit hard.

These delectable squares combine minimal effort with maximum deliciousness.

Impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Crisp, buttery crust meets gooey pecan filling in every irresistible bite.

Simple ingredients and quick assembly make this recipe a total game-changer.

You’ll want to bookmark this dessert for every future gathering.

Smart Tips For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Speed Up Crust Preparation: Use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts to save time and simplify the baking process, ensuring a perfect base without extra effort.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Lightly blind bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling to create a crispy, golden foundation that resists moisture.
  • Customize Nut Options: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile, maintaining the same delicious texture and sweetness.
  • Control Sweetness Level: Reduce brown sugar by 2-3 tablespoons if you prefer less sweet desserts, balancing the overall taste without compromising the recipe's integrity.
  • Make Ahead and Store: These bars stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them perfect for advance preparation and quick dessert options.

Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars With Ease

  • Refrigerate: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm bars briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their soft, gooey texture and enhance the nutty pecan flavor.
  • Serve: Enjoy bars at room temperature or slightly warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Perfect Pairings For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Pair with Bourbon Bliss: Serve these pecan pie bars alongside a smooth, amber bourbon that complements the rich, caramel-like sweetness of the dessert. The whiskey's warmth and oak notes will enhance the nutty pecan flavors.
  • Cool Down with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each bar with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The cold, smooth texture creates a delightful contrast against the warm, gooey pecan filling, making each bite a heavenly experience.
  • Coffee Companion: Brew a dark, robust coffee to accompany these bars. The coffee's slight bitterness cuts through the pie's sweetness, creating a balanced and satisfying dessert moment.
  • Caramel Drizzle Delight: Elevate the bars by adding a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce. This extra touch brings out the deep, rich flavors of the pecans and creates an indulgent treat that feels both classic and innovative.

Fun Swaps For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Delight: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the pecan filling before baking for an extra rich and decadent treat. The melted chocolate adds a luxurious layer of flavor that complements the nutty pecans perfectly.
  • Bourbon-Infused Pecan Bars: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling mixture for a sophisticated adult version. The warm, caramel-like notes of bourbon bring depth and complexity to the classic pecan pie bars.
  • Maple Pecan Crunch: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and top with additional chopped pecans before baking. This variation brings a more natural sweetness and creates an irresistible crunchy texture on top.
  • Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a decadent finishing touch. The sweet-salty combination elevates the traditional pecan pie bars to a gourmet dessert experience.

Common Questions About Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These bars simplify the traditional pecan pie process by using ready-made pie crust and a quick mixing method, making them super easy for anyone who wants delicious dessert without complicated steps.

  • Can I use whole pecans instead of pecan halves?

Absolutely! While pecan halves create a prettier presentation, chopped or whole pecans work perfectly and won’t change the delicious flavor of the bars.

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

Look for a golden brown top and a set filling that doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges should also look slightly firm and set, which typically happens around 30-35 minutes of baking.

  • What can I do if my filling seems too runny?

If the filling looks too liquid after initial baking, return the pan to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes. The filling will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly soft when first removed from the oven.

Why Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Are A Time Saver

  • Effortless Baking Delight: Whip up these pecan pie bars with minimal effort, perfect for busy home bakers who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Texture Sensation: Enjoy the incredible contrast between the crispy, buttery crust and the gooey, rich pecan filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These bars capture the classic flavors of traditional pecan pie but in a more convenient, shareable format that's ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family dessert nights.
  • Time-Saving Sweet Treat: With just 30-35 minutes of baking time and simple ingredients, these bars offer a quick and satisfying solution for dessert lovers craving something sweet and nutty.

What You’ll Need For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Pie Crust:
  • Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Convenient base for the bars, provides a flaky foundation. Store-bought crusts save time and ensure consistent texture.
Filling Liquids:
  • Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar: Sweet and sticky foundation that creates the classic pecan pie texture. Dark brown sugar offers deeper caramel notes.
  • Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps bind the filling ingredients together. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Crucial for setting the filling and creating a smooth custard-like texture. Fresh, room temperature eggs blend more easily.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness and adds depth to the flavor profile. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the complex flavors of the pie. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
Topping:
  • Pecan Halves: Star ingredient that provides crunch and signature nutty flavor. Fresh, high-quality pecans make a significant difference in taste.

Simple Instructions For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil. Unroll those ready-made pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the pan, making sure they cover every inch of the surface.

Step 2: Whip Up the Gooey Filling

Grab a big mixing bowl and get ready for some magic. Toss in:
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Whisk everything together until it’s silky smooth. Fold in those gorgeous pecan halves, making sure they’re completely coated in the sweet mixture.

Step 3: Create Your Pie Bar Masterpiece

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly like you’re painting a delicious canvas. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets perfectly.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely – this is super important! Once they’ve reached room temperature, grab a sharp knife and slice into delectable squares. Pro tip: Clean the knife between cuts for picture-perfect bars.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

These bars are perfect for:
  • Potluck parties
  • Afternoon snacking
  • Dessert after a cozy dinner
  • Impressing friends with minimal effort

Storage Hack: Keep these beauties in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week-long treat. Want to save some for later? These freeze beautifully for up to a month!

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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent lazy girl pecan pie bars bring Southern charm to dessert tables with minimal effort. Buttery, caramelized pecans nestled in a crumbly crust promise sweet satisfaction without complicated baking techniques, inviting everyone to savor this irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 2 packages (16 ounces or 454 grams) refrigerated pie crusts

Main Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
  2. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring complete coverage and a smooth surface.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Fold the pecan halves into the liquid mixture, carefully coating each nut to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
  5. Carefully pour the pecan-laden filling over the pie crust, using a spatula to spread it uniformly across the entire surface.
  6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown top and a slightly firm filling that no longer jiggles when gently shaken.
  7. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
  8. Once cooled, slice into rectangular bars and serve, enjoying the rich, caramelized pecan goodness.

Notes

  • Swap out corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer taste to the bars.
  • Use gluten-free pie crust or graham cracker crust to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Chill the bars in the refrigerator for clean, precise cuts and firmer texture when serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 130 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

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