Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars for the Perfect Dessert

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.

Each bite of these bars is a burst of comfort and joy. No need for complicated recipes or long prep times. With just a few ingredients and a bit of effort, you’ll have a dessert that looks and tastes amazing.

These bars are great for any occasion, from family gatherings to sudden sweet cravings. They make the classic Southern dessert experience easy and quick. Whether you’re new to baking or a pro looking for a fast treat, this recipe is a must-try.

What Are Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

Pecan pie bars have changed the classic Southern dessert. They turn a traditional holiday favorite into an easy treat for busy bakers. These bars keep the nutty taste of pecan pie but make it simpler to make.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a new take on a classic. They mix the rich taste of pecan pie with a quick, easy method. This makes them perfect for anyone to make in their kitchen.

The Origin of Pecan Pie Bars

The start of these bars comes from Southern cooking. Pecan desserts are a big part of Southern cooking. Home bakers wanted to make these recipes easier to make.

  • Inspired by traditional Southern pecan pie recipes
  • Developed to simplify holiday baking
  • Created for home cooks with limited time

Differences from Traditional Pecan Pie

These bars are different from traditional pecan pie in many ways:

  1. Easier Preparation: No need for complex pie crust techniques
  2. Shortbread crust provides a buttery, crumbly base
  3. Pecan topping that’s more evenly distributed
  4. No baking required for many recipes

The beauty of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is their simplicity. They offer the same rich flavor and nutty crunch as traditional pecan pie. But they require much less effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Looking for a dessert that’s tasty and easy to make? These pecan pie bars are perfect for any occasion. They’re great for holiday baking or potluck desserts. They impress everyone without taking up too much of your time.

Simple Ingredients You Already Have

These pecan pie bars are easy to make because they use simple ingredients. You won’t need to go shopping for special items. Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry:

  • Basic pantry staples
  • Common baking ingredients
  • Affordable pecans

Recipe card

Craving the sweet, nutty flavor of pecan pie but looking for a quicker and easier version? These pecan pie bars are a delicious, simplified take on the classic dessert—perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something indulgent!

Kitchen Equipment:

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Parchment paper (optional for easy removal)
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients:

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)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the Oven:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal later.
  2. Make the Crust:

    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, sugar, and salt. Mix until the dough comes together and resembles a crumbly texture.
    • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
    • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until it is lightly golden brown.
  3. Prepare the Pecan Filling:

    • While the crust is baking, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract.
    • Stir in the pecans until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.
  4. Assemble the Bars:

    • Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling evenly over the crust.
    • Use a spatula to spread the filling out, ensuring the pecans are evenly spread across the surface.
  5. Bake the Bars:

    • Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
    • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
  6. Serve & Enjoy:

    • Once cooled, slice the bars into squares and serve! These are great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Perfect for Any Occasion

These bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. They’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday baking. They’re great for both casual and formal events.

Quick and No-Fuss Preparation

Busy bakers, rejoice! These treats are quick to make. You can prepare a batch in under an hour. No complicated techniques or professional baking skills required!

Pro tip: These bars taste even better the next day, making them ideal for advance preparation.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Making these delicious Thanksgiving desserts is simple. Just a few ingredients and a little effort are needed. You’ll impress everyone with this tasty treat.

Step-by-Step Baking Process

Here’s how to make the recipe easy:

  1. Start with a buttery shortbread crust in a 9×13 inch pan.
  2. Then, mix the pecan filling until it’s smooth and shiny.
  3. Spread the filling over the crust.
  4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and set.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bars

For the best Thanksgiving desserts, follow these tips:

  • Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Let the bars cool completely before cutting.
  • Use parchment paper to make them easy to remove.

Serving and Presentation

Serve these bars with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Cut them into small squares for a fancy dessert at holiday gatherings.

“Simple ingredients, spectacular results!” – Home Baker’s Motto

Storing and Reheating Pecan Pie Bars

Your easy pecan pie recipe needs the right care to keep its taste and texture. Storing these bars right lets you enjoy them for days. Keeping them at room temperature is best for a short time, keeping them soft and tasty.

To keep them fresh, put the bars in an airtight container with parchment paper. Add more parchment between layers to avoid sticking. Refrigeration keeps them fresh for up to 5 days. This makes the easy pecan pie recipe great for meal prep.

Best Storage Practices

When reheating, pick your method carefully. A preheated oven at 300°F is best, warming the bars for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but can make the crust soft. Let refrigerated bars come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing is also a good choice for long storage. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then in a freezer-safe container. They stay good for up to 3 months, making this recipe a lifesaver for busy bakers.

FAQ

How long do Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars stay fresh?

These tasty bars can last 5-7 days in an airtight container at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dry spot, away from sunlight.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a holiday gathering?

Absolutely! They’re great for making ahead. Bake them 2-3 days before your event. Storing them in the fridge enhances the flavors.

Are these bars gluten-free?

The original recipe has gluten. But, you can make them gluten-free. Just swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Can I freeze Pecan Pie Bars?

Yes! They freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap, then in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.

What if I don’t have corn syrup for the recipe?

No problem! Use maple syrup, honey, or a mix of brown sugar and water instead. Each will change the flavor slightly.

How can I prevent my pecan topping from burning?

To avoid burning, cover with foil if the pecans get too dark. Bake at 325°F and watch them closely during the last minutes.

Are these bars kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids enjoy their sweet, nutty taste. They’re easier to eat than pie, perfect for family events and potlucks.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Sure! Try walnuts, almonds, or a mix. Chop them to the same size for even baking. Lazy Girl Pecan Pie BarsWant 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. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Equipment9x13-inch baking dishMixing bowlElectric mixer or whiskMeasuring cups and spoonsParchment paper (optional for easy removal)Cooling rackIngredients  For the Crust:1 ½ cups all-purpose flour½ cup unsalted butter softened¼ cup granulated sugar¼ tsp saltFor the Pecan Filling:2 large eggs1 cup light brown sugar packed¼ cup unsalted butter melted¼ cup corn syrup light or dark1 tsp vanilla extract1 ½ cups pecan halves or chopped pecansInstructions Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal later.

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