Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, buttery, and nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie but in a convenient bar form that’s easy to make and serve. These bars combine a crisp shortbread crust with a gooey, sweet pecan topping, making them the perfect dessert for busy bakers who want something impressive without the fuss. They’re ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting, classic treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
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1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
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3 large eggs
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well blended and crumbly.
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Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
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While the crust bakes, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.
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Stir in the chopped pecans.
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Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust.
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Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture over the top.
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Bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
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Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 24 bars
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45-50 minutes (including crust bake time)
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Cooling Time: At least 1 hour before cutting
Variations
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Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling mixture for a chocolatey twist.
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Salted Caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
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Maple Pecan Bars: Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup for a rich, maple flavor.
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Nut Mix: Replace pecans with a mix of walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
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Freezing: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
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Reheating: Warm bars briefly in the microwave or oven for a soft, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, either light or dark brown sugar works in this recipe with a slight difference in flavor intensity.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
Use maple syrup or honey as a natural substitute, though the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How do I store leftover bars?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and use a larger pan or two pans.
Can I make the crust without butter?
Butter gives the crust its flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine or a dairy-free alternative.
How do I prevent the bars from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan well or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Are these bars suitable for freezing?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months.
Can I add chocolate chips to the crust?
It’s better to add chocolate chips to the filling to ensure even baking.
How long do the bars stay fresh?
They are best eaten within 3 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
Conclusion
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars combine the beloved flavors of pecan pie into a simple, easy-to-make bar that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery crust, sweet pecan filling, and no fuss preparation, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who wants a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether for holidays, parties, or just a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy.
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Enjoy these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars—an easy, no-fuss dessert with a buttery crust, gooey pecan filling, and crunchy pecans on top. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet treat without the hassle of making traditional pecan pie.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- For the filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Stir in pecans, then pour filling over the baked crust.
- Return to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is set and golden.
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting into bars.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Let bars cool completely for clean slicing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.