Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

There’s something undeniably special about pecan pie — that golden, caramelized filling, buttery crust, and sweet crunch in every bite. But let’s be honest — making a traditional pie from scratch can be a little time-consuming. That’s where these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come to the rescue.

They’ve got all the rich, nutty, gooey flavor of a classic pecan pie, but in an easy-to-make bar form that skips the hassle of rolling out crust or blind baking. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you’re just craving something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen, these bars truly live up to their name — simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• No pie crust stress: The easy shortbread-style crust takes just minutes to mix and press into the pan.
• Quick to make: Ready in about an hour — perfect for last-minute gatherings or weekday baking.
• All the flavor of pecan pie: Rich, buttery, and full of that caramelized pecan filling we all love.
• Perfect for sharing: Slice into neat squares for parties, bake sales, or dessert platters.
• Make-ahead friendly: They store beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These bars use basic pantry staples to recreate all the magic of a Southern-style pecan pie in a simplified form.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted – Creates a rich, buttery base that holds the bars together beautifully.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Gives structure to the crust and keeps it crisp.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds just enough sweetness to balance the rich filling.

For the Filling:

• 3 large eggs – The base of the custardy pecan filling; provides richness and helps it set.
• ¾ cup light corn syrup – The classic pecan pie ingredient that gives the bars their signature gooey texture.
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar – Deepens the flavor and adds a caramel-like sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth.
• 1½ cups chopped pecans – The star of the show! Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavor.

Optional Add-ins:

• A pinch of salt for balance.
• A dash of cinnamon for warmth.
• A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars perfectly every time:

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.

2. Make the crust

In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, and granulated sugar. Stir with a spoon or spatula until a crumbly dough forms — it should look slightly sandy but hold together when pressed.

Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Use the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out into an even layer.

Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the filling

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.

Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly coated with the mixture. The filling should be slightly thick and rich-looking.

Tip: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing — this helps the filling blend more evenly.

4. Pour and bake

Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the warm, partially baked crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans evenly across the top so that each bar gets a good mix of filling and nuts.

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed in the center. The edges should be golden and caramelized.

5. Cool and slice

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely — this step is crucial for clean, neat slices.

Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper (if lined) and cut into squares or rectangles.

Serve them as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas:

• Serve the bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert that tastes gourmet.
• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top before serving for extra flair.
• Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a sweet-salty contrast.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 1 week for extra freshness.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip:
Bake the bars a day before your event — the flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

Helpful Notes

• Use fresh pecans: Stale nuts can ruin the flavor. Toast them lightly for a richer taste before mixing into the filling.
• Don’t overbake: The filling will firm up as it cools, so remove the bars when the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
• Line your pan: Parchment paper makes it easy to lift out the bars and slice them neatly.
• Customize the sweetness: Prefer a less-sweet dessert? Reduce the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons without affecting texture.
• Add texture: Mix in a handful of chopped chocolate or coconut for a twist on the classic.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes! Dark corn syrup will make the bars richer and slightly deeper in flavor — perfect if you like your pecan pie on the bolder side.

2. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
You can, but the consistency may change. Maple syrup gives a lovely flavor but a softer texture.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The filling should look set around the edges but slightly soft in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — simply substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

5. Why are my bars too gooey or runny?
They may be underbaked. Make sure the center is puffed and no longer liquid before removing them from the oven.

Final Thoughts

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie — sweet, nutty, buttery, and indulgent — with none of the stress. They’re simple to make, perfect for sharing, and always a hit at holidays and potlucks.

Every bite is pure comfort: a crisp, buttery crust on the bottom, a gooey, caramel-like center, and crunchy pecans on top. Whether you’re baking them for Thanksgiving dessert, a family gathering, or just to treat yourself, these bars deliver big flavor with minimal effort.