Effortless Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Effortless, Dreamy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Decadent pecan pie bars offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert that takes minimal effort.

These lazy girl pecan pie bars pack rich, buttery flavors into an effortless sweet treat.

No complicated techniques or hours of preparation stand between you and this incredible dessert.

Brown sugar and crunchy pecans combine to create a mouthwatering filling that melts perfectly atop a simple shortbread crust.

The bar format makes serving and enjoying these treats incredibly convenient for any gathering or personal indulgence.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet, nutty goodness that feels like a warm hug.

Dive into this recipe and experience dessert bliss with zero stress.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 11

What Goes Into Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

For Crust:
  • Refrigerated Pie Crusts: Provides a buttery, flaky foundation for the bars, creating a delightful texture contrast with the gooey filling. Choose pre-made crusts for ultimate convenience and consistent results.
  • Baking Pan: Serves as the mold for creating perfectly shaped bars, ensuring even baking and easy removal. Select a non-stick or well-greased pan for seamless preparation.
For Filling Base:
  • Corn Syrup: Delivers the signature glossy, sticky sweetness that defines classic pecan pie. Opt for light corn syrup for a balanced flavor profile.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like richness and helps create a luscious caramel undertone. Look for fresh, clump-free brown sugar for smooth mixing.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling and provide structure, creating a silky custard-like consistency. Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation.
  • Butter: Contributes richness and helps develop a smooth, luxurious filling. Choose unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity with its warm, aromatic notes. Select pure vanilla extract for the most authentic taste.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors in the filling. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Topping:
  • Pecan Halves: Brings nutty crunch and signature flavor, creating the quintessential pecan pie experience. Select fresh, high-quality pecans with a golden, intact appearance.

Tools You’ll Need For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Baking Pan (9×13 inch): Essential for creating the perfect bar base and ensuring even baking.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining filling ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Whisk: Ideal for blending corn syrup, sugar, and eggs into a silky mixture.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps spread the refrigerated pie crust evenly across the baking pan.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading filling and ensuring even distribution.
  • Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting cooled bars into precise squares.

How To Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Crust Foundation

Grab your favorite pie crust and gently press it into a baking pan, creating a smooth base that’ll cradle the delicious pecan filling. Make sure the crust covers the entire bottom of the pan, creating a welcoming platform for the sweet goodness to come.

  • Filling Magic

Whisk together a luscious blend of corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until everything looks silky and combined. Fold in those gorgeous pecan halves, letting them swim around in the rich, glossy mixture.

  • Baking Transformation

Pour the pecan-studded mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly like a cozy blanket. Slide the pan into a warm oven and let the magic happen. After about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a golden-brown masterpiece that looks like it came straight from a bakery. Let it cool completely before slicing into irresistible bars that’ll make everyone swoon.

Tips To Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Perfect Pecan Pie Bars: Pro Tips & Delicious Variations
  • Crust Perfection Hack: Use cold butter when pressing pie crust into the pan to ensure a flakier, more tender base that doesn't become soggy or dense during baking.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making them ideal for holiday gatherings or weekend meal prep.
  • Gluten-Free Transformation: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free alternative made from almond flour or purchase pre-made gluten-free pie crusts to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
  • Flavor Boosting Trick: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the filling to intensify their nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex taste profile to the bars.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For a lower-sugar version, substitute part of the corn syrup with sugar-free maple syrup and use a monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, creating a diabetes-friendly dessert option that still delivers rich, indulgent flavor.

How To Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Cozy Family Dessert Platter: Arrange the pecan pie bars on a rustic wooden board with powdered sugar dusted on top, creating a warm and inviting presentation that screams homemade comfort.
  • Decadent Ice Cream Companion: Serve each bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, creamy texture contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey pecan filling.
  • Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Display the bars on a pretty cake stand during holiday brunches or weekend gatherings, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and a light drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sophistication.
  • Coffee Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a rich, hot espresso or smooth cappuccino, allowing the nutty pecan flavors to complement the bold coffee notes for a perfect afternoon treat.

Storage And Planning For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

  • Delightful Storage Solutions: Keep these pecan pie bars fresh and tasty with these smart strategies.
  • Refrigeration Magic: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cold temperatures help maintain their delicious texture and prevent nuts from turning rancid.
  • Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay delectable for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the entire batch up to 2 days before your event. Keep covered in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor and convenience. Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • Quick Serving Tips: Cut bars into uniform squares for easy grab-and-go treats. Use a sharp knife wiped with hot water between cuts for clean, precise edges that look professionally prepared.
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Effortless Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Effortless Pecan Pie Bars Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Lazy girl pecan pie bars combine southern charm with effortless baking simplicity. Quick dessert preparation ensures delightful results that delight family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 packages (16 oz or 454 g) refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prep Station: Heat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Crust Layer: Smoothly press refrigerated pie crusts into the pan’s bottom, creating an even foundation that covers the entire surface.
  3. Filling Creation: Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a glossy, homogeneous liquid.
  4. Pecan Integration: Gently fold pecan halves into the filling, ensuring each nut is thoroughly coated and distributed throughout the mixture.
  5. Assembly: Pour the pecan-infused filling over the pie crust, using a spatula to create a uniform layer that reaches all corners of the pan.
  6. Baking Process: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the top turns a rich golden hue and the filling stabilizes with minimal movement when gently nudged.
  7. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling set and facilitates clean cutting. Slice into rectangular portions and indulge in the decadent, caramelized pecan delight.

Notes

  • Choose Quality Pecans: Select fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell for maximum flavor and texture in your bars.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Lightly blind bake the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding filling to ensure a crisp, golden base that won’t become wet.
  • Achieve Perfect Consistency: Whisk filling ingredients thoroughly but avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth, glossy texture without incorporating too much air.
  • Temperature Matters: Let ingredients like eggs and butter reach room temperature before mixing to create a more uniform and well-blended filling that bakes evenly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 100 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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