Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

Skip the fuss of a traditional pie crust with these Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. With a simple press-in shortbread base and a gooey, nutty topping, this 5-minute prep dessert delivers all the classic flavor with minimal effort. If you love easy caramel-chocolate treats, you might also enjoy this Chocolate Caramel Dump Cake Recipe or this Chocolate Turtle Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, gooey goodness of a classic pie with a fraction of the fuss. You’ll need just a few pantry staples to create the buttery shortbread crust and the sweet, nutty filling.

• For the Crust:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sticks (1 cup) butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• For the Filling:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a deeper flavor)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups pecans, chopped (walnuts make a fine substitute)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	50 minutes

Context: These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come together in about 20% less time than a traditional pecan pie, making them the perfect shortcut dessert.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt for the crust. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan.

Actionable Tip: For the easiest, most even crust, use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to press the mixture down firmly. This prevents a crumbly base.

Step 2 — Pre-Bake the Crust

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn a light golden brown. This partial baking, called “blind baking,” ensures your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars have a crisp base that won’t get soggy from the filling.

Step 3 — Mix the Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs in a large bowl until completely smooth and well combined. No need for a mixer—a simple whisk does the job perfectly for this easy recipe.

Step 4 — Add the Pecans

Stir the chopped pecans into the filling mixture until they are fully coated. For the best texture, use a mix of pecan pieces and halves. The pieces integrate throughout, while the halves make a beautiful presentation on top.

Step 5 — Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is par-baked, remove it from the oven (leave the oven on). Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust, spreading the pecans into a single layer with a spatula if needed.

Actionable Tip: Working quickly while the crust is still warm helps the layers bond slightly, creating the perfect bar texture.

Step 6 — Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the 350°F oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The filling is done when the center is set and no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pan. The top will be a deep golden brown.

Doneness Cue: A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Step 7 — Cool Completely

This is the most critical step for clean cuts! Place the pan on a wire rack and let the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars cool completely at room temperature, which will take at least 2-3 hours. The filling will finish setting as it cools.

Step 8 — Chill and Slice

For the absolute cleanest slices, cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 1-2 hours after they’ve cooled. Use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into squares with a sharp knife.

Actionable Tip: Wiping your knife clean between cuts ensures neat, picture-perfect bars every time.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	~3 g
Carbohydrates	~38 g
Fat	~19 g
Fiber	~1 g
Sodium	~150 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bar, calculated using common ingredients and serving sizes. Actual nutrition can vary based on specific brands and measurements.

Healthier Alternatives

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly flexible. Here are simple swaps to tailor them to your dietary needs without sacrificing that classic, gooey flavor.

• Protein Powder Crust — Replace half the flour in the shortbread base with vanilla or unflavored protein powder for a boost that keeps it tender.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the corn syrup and brown sugar in the filling for a monk fruit or allulose blend to cut carbs while maintaining the perfect sticky texture.
• Gluten-Free Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for the crust to make these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars celiac-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Butter — A high-quality plant-based butter works perfectly in both the crust and filling for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Omit the salt in the crust and use unsalted butter to significantly lower the sodium content.
• Maple or Honey — For a more natural sweetness, replace the corn syrup with pure maple syrup or honey, which adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Nut Alternatives — While pecans are classic, try walnuts or almonds for a different twist and nutrient profile.
• Egg Substitute — A flax egg or commercial egg replacer can work in the filling for an egg-free variation, though the set may be slightly softer.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic, indulgent dessert.
• Serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up or after-dinner treat.
• Bring these easy bars to a potluck or holiday gathering—they travel well and are always a crowd-pleaser.
• For a festive brunch, cut the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars into smaller, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with other pastries.
• Elevate the presentation by dusting the cooled bars lightly with powdered sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before serving.
• Enjoy them as a sweet snack straight from the pan—no plate needed for the ultimate lazy girl experience.

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for everything from a casual family dessert to your next party spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a hot, freshly baked crust for the filling. Fix: Always cool the crust completely to prevent a soggy bottom layer.
• Mistake: Overmixing the shortbread crust dough. Fix: Mix just until crumbly and combined; overworking creates a tough base.
• Mistake: Pouring filling onto an unbaked crust. Fix: Pre-bake (blind bake) the crust for 15-20 minutes to set its structure.
• Mistake: Not toasting the pecans beforehand. Fix: Toast nuts on a sheet pan at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to deepen their flavor.
• Mistake: Overbaking the bars until the filling is bubbly and hard. Fix: Remove when the center is just set with a slight jiggle; it firms as it cools.
• Mistake: Cutting the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars before they are fully cooled. Fix: Let them cool in the pan for 1-2 hours, then chill to get clean slices.
• Mistake: Substituting corn syrup with honey or maple syrup 1:1. Fix: If substituting, reduce other liquids slightly to account for different moisture levels.
• Mistake: Spreading pecans unevenly, creating bare spots. Fix: Arrange nuts in a single, even layer before pouring the syrup mixture.
• Mistake: Using a glass or dark metal pan without adjusting bake time. Fix: Reduce oven temperature by 25°F if using glass, as it retains more heat.
• Mistake: Skipping the parchment paper sling. Fix: Line the pan with parchment, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the whole slab.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The filling stays perfectly gooey.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual bars on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven taste, microwave a bar for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes until heated through.

Always allow bars to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. For food safety, discard any bars left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to classic pie flavor. I hope you love this easy, no-fuss dessert as much as we do! Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments. For more simple sweet treats, check out my Caramel Ritz Cracker Cookies Recipe or Caramelized Walnut Banana Cake Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute walnuts for a similar texture and flavor. However, for the classic taste of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, pecans are highly recommended as they toast beautifully in the sweet filling.

How should I store these bars, and how long do they last?

Store cooled Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week; the bars may become firmer but are still delicious.

What makes this recipe a “lazy girl” version?

This recipe simplifies traditional pecan pie by using a press-in shortbread crust, eliminating the need for a pie crust. The easy, no-mixer filling comes together quickly, making these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars a fuss-free dessert.