Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars For The Perfect Dessert
These Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate indulgence for those who crave the rich, sweet flavors of classic pecan pie without the fuss. This recipe brings together a buttery, crumbly crust and a gooey, caramel-like pecan filling that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself to a sweet bite after dinner, these bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them a fantastic choice for potlucks, holiday parties, or cozy family dinners.
What makes these pecan pie bars so special is how simple they are to prepare while still delivering that traditional pecan pie experience. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes impressive. Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become a go-to recipe you’ll be proud to share with friends and family!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp salt (for crust)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (for filling)
- ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)
Gather all your ingredients for easy preparation.
Directions
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Prepare Pan and Crust Mixture: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix in flour until coarse crumbs form. Press crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan and prick with a fork.
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Prepare Pecan Filling: (Optional) Toast pecans at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, then cool. Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter for the filling; let cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until well combined. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until smooth. Fold in pecans.
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Bake the Bars: Pour filling evenly over the crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for another 20-30 minutes, until filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. If edges brown too fast, tent loosely with foil.
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Cool and Serve: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for 3-4 hours, or overnight, until fully set. Lift cooled slab from pan using parchment overhang. Cut into 24-30 bars using a warm, sharp knife. Serve plain or with whipped cream/ice cream. Store airtight at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate/freeze for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
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Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
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Optional Variations: Add chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a delicious twist. You can also use different nuts such as walnuts or even add dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor.
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Storage or Reheating Tips: These bars can be kept at room temperature for several days. If storing in the fridge, simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 24-30 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
