Best Pecan Pie Bars

Let’s be real—sometimes, you want the delicious taste of a homemade dessert without all the effort. Enter Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. These little bars pack all the flavor of a traditional pecan pie, but without the fuss of rolling out dough and baking for hours. Sweet, sticky, and filled with crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Trust me, these are going to be your new go-to for any time you’re craving something sweet and easy.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with these bars:

• Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples like butter, brown sugar, and pecans come together to create a flavor-packed bar with no complicated steps.
• No Crust Fuss: Unlike traditional pecan pie, you don’t have to worry about making a crust. These bars come together easily with a simple base that you press into the pan.
• Sweet & Buttery: The filling is rich and gooey, perfectly sweetened with brown sugar and a hint of vanilla. It’s everything you love about pecan pie in a bite-sized form.
• Perfect for Sharing: Need a quick dessert for a gathering, a holiday, or a party? These bars are the perfect way to treat a crowd without spending too much time or effort.
• Easily Customizable: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to spice things up, or even throw in a handful of chocolate chips if you want to make them extra special!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these deliciously lazy pecan pie bars:

• Butter: The base of the bars is buttery and rich, giving the bars their soft, chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
• Eggs: The binding agent that helps hold the filling together while giving it a custardy, smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A little touch of vanilla for extra flavor depth.
• Corn Syrup: This is what gives the filling that sticky, gooey texture that’s signature to pecan pie.
• Pecans: The star ingredient! Toasted, chopped pecans give the bars a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: To create the base that holds everything together.
• Baking Powder: Helps give the bars just a little lift so they’re not too dense.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these easy, delicious bars? Here’s how:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy removal later. You can also lightly grease the dish if you prefer.

2. Make the Base

In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once melted, whisk in the brown sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Next, add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and sticky. Press this mixture into the prepared pan to form a crust, making sure it’s even across the bottom.

3. Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, a bit more brown sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in the pecans, making sure they’re well-coated with the syrupy mixture.

4. Add the Filling to the Base

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust, spreading it out evenly. You should see the lovely pecans floating in that gooey, golden syrup.

5. Bake the Bars

Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly bubbly around the edges. The center should be firm but a little soft when touched.

6. Let It Cool

Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures the filling firms up nicely. You can speed up the cooling by placing the pan in the fridge for an hour.

7. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles, and they’re ready to enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 230 (may vary based on ingredients)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are absolutely perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a few extra touches to take them to the next level:

• A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side is a dreamy pairing with these bars—hot and cold together is always a winner.
• Coffee or Tea: Serve these bars with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a hot cocoa for a cozy dessert moment.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence with a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Simply wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
• Add Spice: If you want to make these a little more festive, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Make Them Your Own: Feel free to mix in other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or even add chocolate chips if you’re in the mood for a twist.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut?
A1: Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or almonds would work just as well if you’re looking to switch it up.

Q2: Do I have to use corn syrup?
A2: Corn syrup is essential for that signature gooey, sticky texture, but you can use maple syrup as a substitute if you prefer a more natural option.

Q3: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A3: Yes! These bars are great for making ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature or refrigerate them.

Q4: What should I do if my bars are too soft in the middle?
A4: If the bars seem undercooked, just pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes until the filling sets and firms up.

Q5: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and they should turn out just as delicious.

Q6: Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
A6: Light brown sugar will work fine, though dark brown sugar adds a bit more depth and richness to the flavor. Either will work!

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a sweet chocolatey twist.

Q8: How do I cut these bars neatly?
A8: For clean cuts, let the bars cool completely (or chill them in the fridge). Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time slightly.

Q10: How can I make these bars more decadent?
A10: Try drizzling them with caramel sauce or melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie, without all the hassle. They’re sweet, gooey, and have that perfect balance of crunchy nuts and rich syrup. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a gathering, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are sure to hit the spot. So go ahead, treat yourself, and enjoy the delicious simplicity of these easy-to-make pecan pie bars!

Print