If you love the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie but dread the fuss of rolling dough and crimping crusts oh girl, have I got the treat for you. These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you adore about classic pecan pie, packed into an easy, no-stress bar form. No pie plate, no fancy skills, no worries. Just buttery shortbread crust, rich caramel-like filling, and loads of toasty pecans all in one heavenly bite.

This recipe is made for when you want a show-stopping dessert without standing in the kitchen all day. Trust me, this one’s a keeper for holidays, potlucks, and those “I-need-something-sweet-now” kind of days.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert trays, bake sales, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. These bars travel well and slice beautifully.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Quick and Easy: No rolling pins, no chilling dough, no stress. These bars come together fast and bake in one pan.

Customizable: Add chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a splash of bourbon for a fun twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s what brings these golden beauties to life:

All-Purpose Flour

Forms the base of that dreamy shortbread crust. Soft, crumbly, and buttery.

Brown Sugar

Adds a caramel-like depth to both the crust and the filling. Dark or light your call!

Unsalted Butter

Melted into the crust and used in the filling, it creates richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Eggs

The key to binding the pecan pie filling together and giving it that classic custardy bite.

Corn Syrup

Classic pecan pie must-have. It gives the filling its smooth, glossy finish and sticky-sweet chew.

Vanilla Extract

Adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness with a soft, familiar flavor.

Salt

Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the nutty, buttery notes.

Pecan Halves

The star of the show! Toasty, crunchy, and perfectly layered over the sweet filling.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.

Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and melted butter for the crust. Mix until crumbly and well blended.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel

Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to help flatten it out.

Assemble the Dish

Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until lightly golden. Meanwhile, in another bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, melted butter, and salt. Stir in the pecans last.

Cook to Perfection

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the hot crust and return the pan to the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares.

Serve and Enjoy

These bars are perfection at room temperature or chilled. Serve as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Nutrition Facts:

Servings: 24
Calories per serving: 210

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for contrast
• Top with a drizzle of salted caramel or dark chocolate
• Add to a holiday cookie tray alongside classics like sugar cookies and brownies
• Enjoy with coffee or spiced chai for a cozy treat

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling for extra depth of flavor
• Chill the bars for cleaner, neater cuts
• Use a serrated knife for slicing to avoid crushing the delicate top
• For extra crunch, sprinkle a few chopped pecans over the crust before pouring on the filling
• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months

FAQ’s

1 Can I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup
You can, but it will change the flavor and the filling might not set quite as firmly.

2 Do I need to toast the pecans first
It’s optional, but toasting adds a lovely nutty depth that really shines.

3 Can I make these bars ahead of time
Yes! They’re perfect for making a day in advance—they actually slice better once fully cooled.

4 Can I freeze pecan pie bars
Absolutely. Just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

5 Can I add chocolate chips to the filling
Yes! A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips adds an extra layer of richness.

6 What’s the best way to store them
Keep in an airtight container at room temp or in the fridge, depending on your preference.

7 Can I use a different nut besides pecans
Sure—walnuts or almonds can work, but pecans offer the best traditional flavor and texture.

8 Why are my bars too runny
They likely weren’t baked long enough. Make sure the center is set before removing from the oven.

9 Can I double the recipe
Yes, just use a larger sheet pan and keep an eye on the baking time.

10 Do I have to use parchment paper
It’s highly recommended it makes cleanup easier and helps you lift the bars out neatly.

CONCLUSION

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your new best friend in the dessert world simple, sweet, and completely satisfying. They take everything you love about traditional pecan pie and wrap it in an easy, mess-free package you can whip up anytime. Whether you’re hosting friends, baking for the holidays, or just craving something cozy and nutty, these bars are the definition of effortless indulgence. So go ahead slice, share, and savor every bite.

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