Craving the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie but don’t want to fuss with making a traditional pie crust? These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution! They’re quick and easy to make, with all the flavor of classic pecan pie but in a bar form that’s ideal for sharing. With a buttery shortbread base topped with a sweet, gooey pecan filling, these bars are a hit for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a simple dessert craving. Let’s get baking and satisfy that pecan pie craving with this super simple recipe!
Ingredients
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars use pantry-friendly ingredients, making it easy to whip up whenever the mood strikes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Flour forms the base of the shortbread crust. This creates a sturdy foundation for the gooey pecan filling.
- Butter (1 cup, unsalted, melted): Melted butter helps form a rich and buttery shortbread crust. Be sure to use unsalted butter to control the salt level.
- Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Powdered sugar sweetens the shortbread crust and gives it a smooth, tender texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of salt balances the sweetness in both the crust and the filling.
- Brown Sugar (1 cup, packed): Brown sugar creates the rich, caramel-like flavor in the pecan pie filling.
- Corn Syrup (1/2 cup, light or dark): Corn syrup is key to achieving that classic gooey texture in the filling. Light corn syrup will result in a milder flavor, while dark corn syrup adds a more robust flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla enhances the flavor of the pecan filling, adding a warm and sweet note.
- Eggs (3 large): Eggs help bind the filling together, ensuring it sets properly while baking.
- Chopped Pecans (2 cups): Pecans are the star of this recipe, adding a crunchy, nutty texture to the gooey filling. Roughly chop the pecans for a more rustic look and even distribution.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars that are buttery, sweet, and completely satisfying!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Grease lightly with non-stick spray or butter.
- Make the Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Stir until the mixture comes together and forms a dough. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, using your hands or the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the shortbread crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. The center may still be slightly jiggly, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Cut: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares or rectangles.
- Serve: Enjoy these delicious Pecan Pie Bars on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Nutritional Information (per bar, based on 16 bars)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugars: 19g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor. Make sure to chop the nuts roughly so they distribute evenly.
2. How do I store these bars?
Store the 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 or freeze for up to 3 months.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare and bake them a day in advance, and they actually taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
4. Can I make these bars without corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute the corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, though the texture may be slightly different. Maple syrup will add a more distinct flavor, while honey will add a subtle sweetness.
5. How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The filling should be set and not too jiggly in the center, though a slight wobble is okay as it will firm up as it cools. The edges should be golden brown.
6. Can I add chocolate chips to these bars?
Yes, for an extra indulgent twist, you can sprinkle chocolate chips over the crust before adding the pecan filling. They’ll melt into the bars as they bake, creating a delicious chocolate-pecan combination.
7. Can I make a gluten-free version of these bars?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
8. What can I serve with these bars?
These bars are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
9. Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar?
Yes, you can use light brown sugar, but dark brown sugar adds a deeper, richer flavor due to its higher molasses content. Either will work great in this recipe.
10. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the shortbread crust helps prevent it from getting soggy when the filling is added. Make sure to bake the crust until it’s lightly golden before adding the pecan filling.
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution when you’re craving pecan pie but don’t want to deal with rolling out pie dough. With their buttery crust, gooey pecan filling, and easy prep, they’re sure to become a favorite treat that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!