Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The Best Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe for Sweet Dreamers

Whipping up a delectable pecan pie bars recipe doesn’t require culinary expertise or hours of prep time.

Lazy bakers rejoice with this simplified dessert that cuts corners without compromising flavor.

Crisp buttery crust meets gooey caramel-like filling in every delightful bite.

Sweet pecans create a crunchy texture that melts seamlessly across your palate.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this treat perfect for spontaneous sugar cravings.

No complicated techniques or professional skills needed to create something that looks and tastes like a showstopper.

A single pan transforms into multiple servings of pure comfort, ready to satisfy your dessert dreams.

You’ll want to share these irresistible bars – or maybe keep them all for yourself.

Tasty Swaps For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Gluten-Free Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pecan Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and swap corn syrup with maple syrup for a plant-based alternative.
  • Chocolate Pecan Indulgence: Add dark chocolate chips to the filling and drizzle melted chocolate on top for a rich, decadent variation.
  • Bourbon Pecan Bars: Incorporate a splash of bourbon into the filling mixture for a sophisticated, boozy flavor profile that enhances the pecans' natural sweetness.

What To Serve With Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Pair Sweet Bourbon Whiskey: Complement the rich, nutty pecan bars with a smooth bourbon that echoes the dessert's caramel and vanilla notes, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the flavor complexity.
  • Create Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Scoop: Top the warm pecan bars with a cold scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast that melts beautifully into the bar's warm, gooey filling.
  • Brew Cinnamon-Spiced Coffee: Serve alongside a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, which will highlight the dessert's warm spice undertones and provide a comforting, aromatic companion to the pecan bars.

How To Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Properly

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container, layering parchment paper between bars to prevent sticking. These delectable treats will keep fresh for up to 5 days when chilled in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pecan bars maintain their quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Keep bars in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days. Place in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve their crisp texture and flavor.

Your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Questions Answered

  • Can I make these pecan bars gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better binding.

  • How do I prevent the filling from becoming too runny?

Make sure to whisk the filling ingredients thoroughly and bake until the center is just slightly jiggly, which ensures proper setting.

  • What's the best way to chop pecans for this recipe?

Use a sharp knife and roughly chop the pecans into small, uneven pieces to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.

  • How can I tell if the pecan bars are fully baked?

The edges will be golden brown, and the center will have a slight wobble when gently shaken, indicating it’s perfectly set.

Why Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Are So Easy And Good

  • Unlock Baking Simplicity: Master this recipe with basic kitchen skills, perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to impress guests with minimal effort, these pecan bars deliver maximum flavor and visual appeal.
  • Versatile Party Favorite: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or casual weekend treats that suit every occasion from family reunions to office parties.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like adding chocolate drizzle or switching nut varieties to match your taste preferences.

What You’ll Need For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

For the Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp texture for the base.
  • Cold Butter: Creates a flaky and tender crust with rich flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
For the Filling:
  • Eggs: Bind the filling together and provide a smooth, custardy texture.
  • Corn Syrup: Ensures a glossy, smooth filling with a classic pecan pie consistency.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and rich sweetness to the filling.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, complex flavor to complement the pecans.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
For the Topping and Finishing:
  • Pecans, Whole and Chopped: Provide nutty flavor, crunch, and classic pecan pie texture.
  • Honey: Adds a golden sheen and subtle sweetness to the final bars.
  • Powdered Sugar: Optional garnish that adds a delicate, elegant finishing touch.

How To Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting extra paper hang over edges for easy bar removal.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Base

Combine these ingredients in a food processor:
  • Flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cold butter
  • Salt

Pulse until mixture looks like sandy, coarse crumbs.

Step 3: Press Crust Firmly

Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared pan. Press down firmly and evenly using the back of a measuring cup to create a smooth, compact base.

Step 4: Initial Crust Bake

Slide the pan into the oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges turn light golden brown. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 5: Whip Filling Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend these ingredients until smooth:
  • Eggs
  • Corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Salt

Step 6: Add Pecan Crunch

Gently fold chopped pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 7: Layer Filling

Pour the pecan-filled mixture over the partially baked crust. Spread carefully to cover the entire surface.

Step 8: Create Decorative Top

Arrange whole pecans on top of the filling in an attractive pattern for extra texture and visual interest.

Step 9: Final Baking

Return pan to the oven. Bake 25-30 minutes until filling sets but remains slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 10: Add Sweet Drizzle

Remove from oven and immediately drizzle warm honey over the top of the bars.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Let bars cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, allowing filling to firm up properly.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Lift bars out using parchment paper overhang. Cut into square portions.

Step 13: Elegant Finish

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a sophisticated touch.

Tips That Help Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Turn Out Perfect

  • Achieve Crumbly Crust Perfection: Use cold butter and pulse ingredients just until they resemble sandy crumbs for a tender, flaky base that doesn't become tough.
  • Create Neat Cutting Lines: Chill the bars completely before slicing to get clean, precise squares without messy filling spilling out.
  • Prevent Overbaking Filling: Watch for a slightly jiggly center when baking, which ensures a silky, smooth pecan filling that sets perfectly while cooling.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans briefly before adding to the filling to intensify their nutty richness and bring out more complex, roasted notes.
  • Elevate Presentation: Arrange whole pecans in a symmetrical pattern on top for a professional bakery-style look that impresses guests and adds visual texture.
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Lazy girl pecan pie bars offer a delightful twist on classic Southern desserts with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Sweet, buttery pecans nestled in a rich, caramel-like filling create an irresistible treat you can’t help but love.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Topping:

  • 1/2 cup pecans, whole
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Combine flour, granulated sugar, cold butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a sandy texture.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a compact base. Use the back of a measuring cup to ensure an even surface.
  4. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
  5. Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
  6. Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
  7. Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
  8. Arrange whole pecans on top of the filling in a decorative pattern for added texture and visual appeal.
  9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
  10. Remove from the oven and drizzle honey over the top of the bars while still warm.
  11. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, enabling the filling to set properly.
  12. Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
  13. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Chill butter thoroughly before creating the crust for a flakier, more delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds to customize the flavor profile and suit personal preferences.
  • Use room temperature eggs to ensure smooth and even mixing of the filling, preventing any lumpy inconsistencies.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend without compromising the rich, buttery base.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-48 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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