Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: Easy, Delicious, and Irresistible

Pecan pie is a holiday classic that many of us love to indulge in. However, sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to make an entire pie from scratch. Enter Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, a quick and easy version of the traditional pecan pie that you can whip up in no time, yet still pack all the flavors and textures we crave from this beloved dessert.

These bars are perfect for those moments when you want to impress your guests but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, gooey filling, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a show-stopper for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, holiday gathering, or a casual treat for yourself.

In this article, we’ll walk you through every step of making these irresistible bars, from preparing the crust to baking the filling. Along the way, we’ll provide tips, substitutions, and more to ensure that your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come out perfect every time. So, let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

For the Crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

• ½ teaspoon salt

The crust is a simple, buttery base that serves as the perfect foundation for the rich and gooey pecan filling. Using chilled butter ensures that your crust stays flaky and crumbly, just like a traditional pie crust.

For the Filling:

• 4 large eggs

• 1 ½ cups light corn syrup (or substitute with maple syrup)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 cups pecan halves

• ¼ teaspoon salt

The filling for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is sweet, nutty, and perfectly set. If you prefer a more robust flavor, you can substitute the light corn syrup with maple syrup, which will give the bars a unique twist.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Making Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is an absolute breeze! With just a few simple ingredients and a couple of steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time. Here’s how to make them:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the oven to reach the ideal temperature for baking. Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or non-stick cooking spray. This ensures that your bars won’t stick to the pan once they’ve been baked.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Now, it’s time to prepare the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Next, cut in the chilled butter. You can use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your hands to break the butter into small pieces. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout.

Once the butter is cut in, press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to press it down firmly so that the crust holds together during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You want the crust to be lightly golden brown, but not fully baked. After 15 minutes, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. The brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the filling, while the vanilla enhances the overall taste. Once everything is well combined, stir in the pecan halves. The pecans are the star of this recipe, so be sure to mix them in thoroughly.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Now that the filling is ready, pour it over the slightly cooled crust. Spread the filling out evenly using a spatula to ensure that the pecans are evenly distributed. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed around the edges. The bars should be golden brown and firm in the center.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once the bars are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the baking dish. This will allow the filling to set properly. Once cooled, slice them into squares or bars, depending on your preference. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• Chill the Butter: Chilled butter is key for achieving a flaky, tender crust. Don’t skip this step!

• Don’t Overmix the Crust: You want the butter to remain in small chunks, so don’t overwork the dough. This will ensure a buttery and crumbly texture.

• Bake the Crust Just Enough: Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes. You want it lightly golden but not fully cooked, as it will continue to bake once the filling is added.

• Cool Completely Before Slicing: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into them. This ensures that the filling has set properly and prevents it from being too runny.

• Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans will give your bars the best flavor and texture. Toasting the pecans lightly before mixing them into the filling can also enhance their taste.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

The Easiest Pecan Pie Ever

The beauty of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars lies in their simplicity. No complicated crust-making techniques or time-consuming steps. Just mix, bake, and enjoy! These bars are the perfect solution for busy bakers who want the flavor of classic pecan pie without all the hassle.

Rich, Gooey Filling

The filling is perfectly sweet and rich, with the perfect balance of brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Combined with the crunchy pecans, this filling is everything you love about pecan pie, but in bar form!

Make Ahead and Store

These bars are ideal for making ahead. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, and they’ll stay fresh in an airtight container. They also freeze well, so you can keep a batch on hand for future cravings.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved making Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, you might also enjoy these other dessert bars that feature similar ingredients, cooking methods, or flavor profiles. Check out these recipes for more deliciousness:

• Better Than Anything Bars: These indulgent bars combine sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and caramel for an irresistible treat that’s truly better than anything.

• Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars: A perfect fall dessert, these apple pie bars are topped with a decadent salted caramel drizzle.

• Caramel Coffee Fudge: For a rich, indulgent dessert with a hint of coffee flavor, these caramel coffee fudge squares will definitely hit the spot.

How to Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Room Temperature Storage

If you plan to eat your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container. Just make sure the bars are completely cool before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the crust soggy.

Refrigerating for Longer Storage

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bars in an airtight container. They will last about 5-7 days in the fridge, but you’ll want to let them come to room temperature before serving so the filling isn’t too firm.

Freezing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

If you want to store them for an even longer period, you can freeze Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be ready to enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Maple Syrup Substitution

If you don’t have corn syrup or prefer a more natural sweetener, you can substitute the light corn syrup with maple syrup. The maple syrup will add a wonderful, slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans.

Use Different Nuts

While pecans are traditional for this recipe, you can switch them out for other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts if you prefer a different flavor. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but it will still result in a delicious bar.

Add Chocolate Chips

For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the filling. The chocolate adds a rich depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet, nutty pecans.

FAQs for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

1. How long is pecan pie good for?
Pecan pie, including Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

2. What happens if you overbake pecan pie?
Overbaking pecan pie can lead to a dry, hard texture and may cause the filling to become overly firm or even burnt. For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, be sure to bake until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. This will ensure a smooth, gooey consistency.

3. Why is pecan pie so popular?
Pecan pie is a beloved dessert because of its perfect balance of flavors: the sweet, caramel-like filling combined with the crunchy texture of pecans creates an irresistible treat. Additionally, it’s a traditional Southern dessert often associated with holidays and celebrations, which adds to its popularity.

4. Why did my pecan pie not set up?
If your pecan pie bars don’t set up properly, it could be due to underbaking or not using the correct ratio of ingredients. The eggs and syrup in the filling help to bind everything together, so make sure you’re whisking the eggs well and baking the bars long enough for the filling to firm up. For best results, check for a slightly firm, set center before removing from the oven.

Final Thoughts

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect dessert for those who want all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but without the hassle of making a whole pie. They’re quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just craving something sweet, these bars are sure to become a favorite.

So grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy the simplest and most scrumptious pecan pie bars you’ve ever made!

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