If you love the gooey, buttery magic of classic pecan pie but dread rolling dough or fussing over a finicky filling, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your new best friend. Think all the caramelized crunch and sweet nuttiness of your grandma’s Southern pie, baked effortlessly into handheld squares perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring solo with your favorite coffee. These irresistible bars are the shortcut treat you’ll be making on lazy Sundays, for last-minute potlucks, or simply any time you want something soul-satisfying without the stress of pie crust. Say hello to the easiest way to get your pecan pie fix!

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you — every component in these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars plays a delicious role in the final bite. Each ingredient is easy to find, but brings essential texture and flavor to the table. Let’s break down this dream team:

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted): Provides rich flavor and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crust that’s impossible to resist.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the crust, giving it a delicate balance that pairs perfectly with the sticky pecan topping.
All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): The backbone of a sturdy-yet-soft bar crust, ensuring your bars hold together when sliced.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every sweet and nutty note, so don’t skip it!
Large Eggs (3): Essential for a custardy, set filling that holds its shape when you cut out each bar.
Light Corn Syrup (1 cup): The secret to that classic pecan pie gooey texture and unbeatable shine on top.
Packed Brown Sugar (¾ cup): Adds caramel depth and moisture to the luscious filling.
Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons): Intensifies the dessert’s sweetness with warm, comforting notes.
Chopped Pecans (2 cups): The showstopper! For that classic crunch and earthy flavor, be generous with the pecans.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Preheat

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are. For guaranteed easy removal and no sticking, line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the edges for handles later. If you’re out of parchment, a light greasing also does the trick. This simple prep saves you from crumbling bars later.

Step 2: Mix Up the Shortbread Crust

Grab a medium mixing bowl and combine the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, flour, and salt. Use a fork or spatula to toss everything together—it’ll quickly transform into a crumbly dough. The key is to mix just until combined; it should look sandy and moist, not overworked.

Step 3: Press and Bake the Crust

Dump the crust mixture into your prepared pan and use clean hands or the back of a measuring cup to press the dough firmly and evenly across the bottom. Aim for a uniform layer, so every bite has the same shortbread crunch. Slide it into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, just until the edges take on a pale golden color.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until it’s completely smooth—no pockets of unmixed yolk or sugar, please! Fold in the chopped pecans last. You want every bit of filling laced with nutty goodness for that signature pecan pie texture.

Step 5: Pour and Return to Oven

Once the crust comes out (hot and golden), immediately pour the pecan filling over it. Work quickly so the filling spreads easily; the warm crust also helps the custard layer set evenly. Place the pan right back in the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes until the surface is golden brown and just set in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience pays off here! Let the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely in their pan to firm up and avoid oozing. For super clean slices, refrigerate the cooled bars for one hour before lifting out and cutting into perfect squares.

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

For that bakery-worthy finish, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar, drizzle with a little melted chocolate, or add a tuft of whipped cream right before serving. Even a single candied pecan on each bar makes these bars look extra special.

Side Dishes

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars play well with others! Pair with a bowl of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad for contrast. If it’s coffee time, a splash of bourbon in the mug brings out the nutty sweetness in the bars.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your bars into bite-sized cubes for a dessert charcuterie board, or stack them high on a paddle board for potlucks and picnics. Wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie with twine for an adorable homemade gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, transfer your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars to an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is extra warm, pop them in the fridge to preserve that perfect chewy middle.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer (or between sheets of parchment) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months, ready for any last-minute treat cravings. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

Reheating

If you like your pecan pie bars just a little warm, microwave individual bars for 10–15 seconds. For larger batches, set them on a baking sheet and warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes—just until slightly gooey. Serve right away for that fresh-baked taste!

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will make the filling a bit richer and deeper in flavor, giving your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars more of that traditional Southern vibe. Expect a more intense caramel note—delicious!

What’s the secret to getting clean slices?

Chilling the bars in the refrigerator for at least an hour after they’ve cooled makes slicing a breeze. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for bakery-style presentation.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking flour. Check the rest of your ingredients for gluten sources, and you’re all set for gluten-free Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes removing the bars (and cleaning up) extra simple, but you can also grease your pan well if you’re out. Just be gentle when lifting or cutting the bars, since the crust is wonderfully tender.

Can I toast the pecans first?

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling isn’t required, but it will boost their flavor and give your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars an irresistible toasty crunch. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 5–7 minutes at 350°F until fragrant, then proceed with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a foolproof dessert that brings southern charm and incredible flavor with hardly any effort, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your answer. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly makes you the star of every gathering, yet is easy enough to attempt on a whim. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself baking a second batch before the first one’s even gone!

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 24 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these decadent Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars that are a breeze to make and a delight to eat. A buttery crust supports a rich, gooey pecan filling, creating the perfect blend of sweet and nutty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup granulated sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
¾ cup packed brown sugar
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it. Mix melted butter, granulated sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly. Press the dough into the pan and bake for 15–18 minutes.
Make the Filling: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pecans. Pour the filling over the hot crust.
Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until set. Cool before cutting into bars.