Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Want a delicious Southern dessert without spending hours cooking? Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your perfect choice. They bring the rich taste of pecan pie to your table with less effort. If you’re looking for a sweet treat that captures the heart of comfort food while being simple enough for a busy weeknight, you’ve come to the right place. These bars are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just because you deserve something special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These bars come together in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves pecan pie, and these bars make it easy to share the joy with loved ones.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them in advance! They store beautifully in the fridge for those moments when you need a sweet pick-me-up.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of buttery crust and rich pecan filling is simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! Gather these pantry staples, and you’re ready to whip up some amazing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¼ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans)

Variations

One of the best things about Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is their flexibility! Feel free to put your own twist on this recipe with these fun variations.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for an indulgent chocolate-pecan combo.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for extra warmth and flavor.
• Go Nut-Free: Replace nuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a different texture and taste.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it ensures that your bars bake evenly. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will help you remove the bars easily once they’re baked.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. A solid crust is important for holding everything together!

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This initial baking step ensures that your crust is deliciously crisp before adding the gooey filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Filling

While your crust bakes, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and pecans in another bowl. Mixing these ingredients well allows them to blend perfectly, creating that signature pecan pie flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake Again

Once your crust is done baking, pour the pecan mixture over it evenly. Return it to the oven and bake until set—about 25-30 minutes. Keeping an eye on it will ensure those edges don’t get too dark while allowing the center to firm up.

Step 6: Cool and Cut

After baking, let your bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars as desired. The cooling time helps all those delicious flavors meld together!

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. I hope you enjoy sharing them as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Making these delicious bars is a breeze, especially with a few handy tips to ensure success!

• Measure ingredients accurately: Precise measurements lead to the perfect crust and filling consistency, which is crucial for balancing flavors and textures.
• Chill the crust: After mixing the crust ingredients, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the crust from shrinking and ensures a flaky texture.
• Use fresh pecans: Fresh pecans provide a richer flavor and better crunch. If you can, toast them lightly in the oven before adding to enhance their nutty aroma.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you take it out; it will set as it cools.
• Let them cool completely: Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting helps maintain their shape. This way, you’ll have perfect squares that are easy to serve!

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are not just tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy, tropical twist that complements the nutty flavor of the pecans.
• Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dairy-free chocolate can elevate the look and add a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the pecans.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream offers a creamy contrast to the chewy texture of the bars, making each bite indulgent.
• Fresh fruit salad: A side of fresh fruit salad adds brightness and a refreshing element that balances out the richness of the pecan pie bars.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these bars alongside a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances the flavors and creates a cozy atmosphere—perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas, go ahead and enjoy your delightful Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars! They’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are an excellent choice for meal prep! They can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy a sweet treat without the rush. Here’s how to store them properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bars to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store in the refrigerator where they will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the bars into squares and place them on a baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch.
• Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid.
• Transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people often have about Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars:

Can I make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or unsweetened applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg or replace each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce.

How do I know when my Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are done?

The bars are done when the edges are set and slightly puffed but still slightly jiggly in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with walnuts or almonds according to your preference. Just chop them into similar sizes for even distribution throughout the filling.

What should I serve with Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

These delicious bars pair wonderfully with whipped coconut cream or vanilla non-dairy ice cream. They also make a delightful addition to any dessert platter!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars! They’re a perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence that can brighten any occasion. I can’t wait for you to share this scrumptious dessert with friends and family—or sneak a few bites all by yourself! Enjoy every crumb!