Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Introduction
If you love the taste of classic pecan pie but dread the hassle of making it, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are here to save the day! They’re everything you love about pecan pie—rich, gooey, nutty, and caramel-like—without the need for pie crust. This recipe simplifies the process into easy-to-make bars, ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any time you need a quick dessert with minimal effort. With a buttery crust and a sweet, crunchy pecan topping, these bars offer all the delicious flavors of pecan pie with none of the fuss. Follow along to learn how to make these irresistible bars, complete with tips and answers to common questions!
Ingredients for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Crust
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 sticks butter (1 cup, softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pecan Pie Bar Filling
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Ingredients
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Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready once your crust and filling are prepared. -
Prepare the Crust Mixture
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, softened butter, and salt. Mix until the ingredients are well-combined. The texture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Crust
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Press Crust into Pan
Grease a 10×15-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, making sure to cover the entire surface. -
Bake the Crust
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for 10 minutes. This pre-bake ensures a firm and buttery base for the pecan filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling
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Mix the Filling Ingredients
While the crust is baking, start on the filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Stir until everything is fully combined and the pecans are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Filling and Bake
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Remove and Pour Filling Over Crust
After the crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the hot crust. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the filling evenly across the crust. -
Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
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Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling time helps the filling set fully, making it easier to slice the bars cleanly. -
Slice and Enjoy
Once cool, cut into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy the rich, nutty, and caramel-flavored delight of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars!
Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
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Use Softened Butter for the Crust
Softened butter mixes more easily with the flour and sugar, creating a cohesive crust that’s easy to press into the pan. -
Chop the Pecans for Even Distribution
Chopping the pecans into small pieces helps them distribute evenly in the filling and makes slicing the bars easier. -
Don’t Skip Pre-Baking the Crust
Pre-baking the crust is essential for a firm base that holds up well under the gooey pecan filling. This step prevents the crust from becoming soggy. -
Let Bars Cool Completely Before Slicing
Allow the bars to cool fully before cutting to prevent the filling from running or becoming too soft. Cooling also makes it easier to get clean, even slices. -
Store in an Airtight Container
These bars store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup. Dark corn syrup will give the bars a richer flavor and a slightly deeper color, adding a bit of extra caramel-like depth to the filling.
Q2: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the crust. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the crust hold together.
Q3: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. They also freeze well if stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before serving.
Q4: Do I need to refrigerate the bars?
If you plan to keep them for more than a couple of days, refrigeration is recommended to maintain freshness. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about a week.
Q5: Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped pecans?
You can use whole pecans, but chopped pecans tend to mix better with the filling, creating an even layer and making it easier to cut the bars without cracking the top.
Q6: What if I don’t have a 10×15-inch pan?
A 9×13-inch pan can be used as a substitute, but the bars will be slightly thicker, and you may need to increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes to ensure the filling sets.
Q7: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes! A handful of chocolate chips can be added to the filling mixture for a chocolatey twist on the classic pecan pie flavor.
Q8: Why is my filling not setting properly?
If your filling is runny, it might be undercooked. Make sure the bars bake for the full time indicated, as the filling should set and thicken during baking. Letting the bars cool completely also helps the filling firm up.
With their buttery crust and gooey pecan filling, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Ideal for holidays, parties, or any time you want a crowd-pleasing treat, these bars are sure to impress!