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
- 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.
- Combine flour, granulated sugar, cold butter, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a sandy texture.
- 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.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn light golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Pour the pecan filling over the partially baked crust, spreading it carefully to cover the entire surface.
- Arrange whole pecans on top of the filling in a decorative pattern for added texture and visual appeal.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle honey over the top of the bars while still warm.
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours, enabling the filling to set properly.
- Once cooled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
- 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