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, making them a go-to for those busy weeknights when you want something sweet but don’t have much time. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just treating yourself after a long day, these bars will quickly become a favorite!

What makes Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars so special is their delightful texture and flavor. You get that classic pecan pie experience in an easy-to-make bar form that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these bars in no time at all.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Everyone loves the sweet, nutty flavor of pecans—this dessert is sure to please both kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake them ahead of time and store them for those unexpected cravings or celebrations.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor: Enjoy the classic taste of pecan pie without the fuss—perfectly sweet and satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. No complicated components here—just good old-fashioned baking!

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 how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative based on what you have at home or what flavors you love.

• Add Chocolate Chips: Mix in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with pecans.
• Mix in Coconut: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds both flavor and texture.
• Use Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds to give this recipe your own unique spin.
• Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is essential because it ensures even baking. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your baking dish and dough.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will make it super easy to lift out the bars later without any mess!

Step 3: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ tsp salt. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This crust forms the delicious base of your bars!

Step 4: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Allowing it to cool slightly will create a perfect layer for your filling.

Step 5: Prepare the Pecan Filling

In another bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup packed light brown sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup corn syrup, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir in 1 ½ cups pecan halves. The combination of these ingredients creates that rich, gooey filling we love!

Step 6: Combine Layers

Pour the pecan filling over your baked crust, spreading it evenly. This is where all those wonderful flavors come together!

Step 7: Final Bake

Return everything to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until set. The edges should be bubbly and golden brown—this means they’re ready to come out!

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy them warm or chilled; either way, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Pro Tips for Making Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Making these bars can be a breeze with just a few tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Here are some helpful suggestions to enhance your baking experience!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature allows them to blend more smoothly, creating a better texture in your bars.

• Chop Pecans Uniformly: If you decide to chop your pecans, aim for uniform pieces. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the filling, giving every bite the perfect crunch.

• Don’t Overmix the Filling: When combining the filling ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less dense and chewy texture after baking.

• Let Them Cool Completely: Patience pays off! Allowing the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting helps them set properly and makes slicing much easier.

• Storage Matters: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. This keeps them delicious and ready for snacking!

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars can be served in a variety of delightful ways that will impress friends and family alike. Here’s how you can elevate their presentation!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a lovely tropical twist that complements the nuttiness of the pecans.

• Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the top not only enhances visual appeal but also adds a rich flavor contrast.

• Toasted Coconut Flakes: Sprinkling some toasted coconut on top provides an extra layer of texture and flavor that pairs beautifully with the caramelized pecans.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the richness of the bars, balancing your dessert plate beautifully.

• Vanilla Almond Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla almond ice cream complements the chewiness of the bars and enhances their sweet flavor profile.

• Spiced Hot Chocolate: For a cozy pairing, serve these bars with a cup of spiced hot chocolate. The warm spices will echo the flavors in your dessert while providing comfort on chilly evenings.

• Coffee or Herbal Tea: A warming beverage like coffee or herbal tea rounds out your dessert experience, making it perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in style! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are not just a delightful treat; they’re also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making snack time or dessert an absolute breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store your pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them chilled, keep them in the refrigerator where they can last up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, cut the bars into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their best quality for about 2-3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place the desired number of bars on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

You might have some questions about these delightful Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. Here are some common inquiries to help you out!

Can I make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use commercial egg replacements to achieve similar results.

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

The bars should be set in the center but slightly jiggly when you take them out. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars! They truly capture the essence of comfort food while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving them at gatherings or enjoying them solo with a cup of coffee, I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your results!