Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

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Listen, I love pecan pie as much as the next person, but who has time for all that rolling and crimping and blind baking? Not this girl! That’s why I’m obsessed with these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, all the caramel-kissed, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie without any of the fuss.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars 1

I first whipped these up during a holiday panic when I realized I’d promised to bring dessert but hadn’t started baking yet. Thirty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like a Southern bakery, and I had a tray of golden, gooey perfection ready to go.

The magic here is in the shortcuts; we’re using refrigerated pie crust (no shame!) and a foolproof filling that comes together faster than you can say “second helping.” These bars deliver that classic pecan pie flavor with about a quarter of the effort, which means more time for eating and less time stressing over pastry. They’re my secret weapon for potlucks, holiday spreads, or those nights when you just need something sweet without turning your kitchen into a war zone.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Trust me, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Here’s why:

  • Seriously quick: From fridge to oven in under 15 minutes, no pie crust chilling, no fancy techniques
  • Minimal cleanup: One bowl, one pan, and you’re done (my kind of baking!)
  • That classic pecan pie taste: All the gooey caramel and toasted nut flavor you crave
  • Crowd-pleaser magic: Perfect for potlucks when you need to feed a crowd without the fuss
  • Forgiving recipe: Even if you’re not a baker, these turn out delicious every time

The first time I made these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, my family couldn’t believe they weren’t from a fancy bakery. Now they request them for every holiday, and I happily oblige because they’re just that easy!

Ingredients for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Here’s the beautiful part, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry! I love recipes like this that don’t require special shopping trips. Just grab:

  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts, the kind with 2 crusts (we’re using both because more crust = more better)
  • 1 cup light corn syrup, this gives that classic pecan pie gooeyness (don’t skip it!)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar,pack it tight in your measuring cup for maximum caramel flavor
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, I always use real butter for that rich taste
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature works best for smooth mixing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, the good stuff makes a difference here
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves, toast them first if you’re feeling fancy
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, just enough to balance all that sweetness

See? Nothing weird or complicated, just simple ingredients that work magic together. Now let’s get mixing!

Equipment You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars? You don’t need fancy gadgets to make them shine. Just grab these basics from your kitchen:

  • 9×13-inch baking pan, the perfect size for thick, gooey bars
  • Mixing bowl, any medium-sized one will do the trick
  • Whisk, for blending that luscious filling smooth

That’s seriously it! No stand mixer, no special tools, just the kind of simple setup that makes lazy baking so satisfying.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars 2

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ready to whip up the easiest dessert of your life? Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a tray of pecan pie bars that’ll make everyone think you spent hours in the kitchen. Spoiler: You didn’t.

Preparing the Crust

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease that 9×13-inch baking pan. Now, grab your refrigerated pie crusts and unroll them. Don’t worry about being perfect here – we’re going for rustic charm! Press the crusts into the pan, making sure they cover the bottom evenly. If there are any gaps, just pinch the edges together. Easy, right? That’s the beauty of lazy baking.

Making the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and glossy. Trust me, this is where the magic happens. Once your mixture is silky, gently stir in the pecan halves, making sure every nut gets coated in that gooey goodness. The pecans will float to the top during baking, so don’t stress if they seem a little crowded in the bowl.

Baking & Cooling

Pour the filling over your prepared crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set (no jiggling in the center!). Here’s the hard part: let it cool completely in the pan. I know, I know, it’s tempting to dive in right away, but trust me, waiting ensures you’ll get clean, beautiful slices. Once it’s cool, cut into 12 bars and serve. Get ready for the compliments!

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars 3

Tips for Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Want to take your lazy baking game to the next level? Here are my tried-and-true tricks for pecan pie bar perfection:

  • Patience pays off: Let those bars cool completely before cutting. I know it’s tough, but this prevents the gooey filling from oozing everywhere
  • Clean cuts: Run your knife under hot water between slices for picture-perfect edges
  • Storage smarts: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if they last that long!)
  • Pecan power: For extra flavor, toast the pecans for about 5 minutes before adding them to the filling
  • Serve with style: A dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream takes these from great to “give me the recipe!”

The best part? Even if you skip all these tips, these bars will still be delicious. That’s the beauty of lazy baking done right!

Variations & Substitutions

  • Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe! That’s the beauty of lazy baking, you can make it your own.
  • If you’re out of corn syrup, real maple syrup works beautifully and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
  • Not a fan of pecans? Walnuts make a fantastic, slightly more earthy substitute.
  • You can even swap in a graham cracker crust if you want a different vibe.
  • I’ve made all these versions, and they all turn out delicious.
  • The base recipe is so forgiving, it’s basically impossible to mess up!

Serving & Storing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars practically serve themselves, just plop them on a pretty plate and watch them disappear! I love dusting mine with powdered sugar for a bakery-worthy look, or drizzling with melted chocolate when I’m feeling fancy. For parties, I cut them smaller into bite-sized squares so everyone can grab a taste without commitment (though fair warning – they’ll be back for seconds!).

Leftovers? Ha! Just kidding, if you somehow have any, they’ll keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. The crust stays surprisingly crisp, and the filling stays gloriously gooey. Honestly, I think they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Not that they’ll last that long!

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Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s be real, we’re not eating pecan pie bars for their health benefits! But for those who like to know, here’s the scoop on nutrition (per bar):

About 320 calories, 18g fat, and 38g carbs.

Remember, these are estimates; your exact numbers might vary depending on your ingredients. My philosophy? Life’s too short to stress over dessert nutrition facts, just enjoy every gooey bite!

FAQ About Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Can I use homemade crust?

Absolutely! If you’ve got a favorite pie crust recipe, go for it. Just roll it out to fit your 9×13-inch pan. That said, the refrigerated crust is what makes this recipe so quick and easy, so I usually stick with it for my lazy baking days.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes! These bars freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

How do I prevent soggy crust?

If you’re worried about a soggy crust, try pre-baking it for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. Or, use a slightly thicker layer of crust to create a sturdier base. Either way, you’ll get that perfect crunch with every bite!

More Easy and Nutty Dessert Bars to Enjoy

If you love the simplicity and flavor of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, these other nutty and sweet dessert bar recipes are sure to delight your taste buds.

Give these recipes a try and add more delicious, easy-to-make dessert bars to your collection!

Why This is the Best Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the rich, gooey pecan pie flavor you love but with so much less fuss. With a buttery, tender crust and a luscious pecan filling packed with sweet corn syrup, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, they hit every note of the classic dessert in a portable, easy-to-make bar form. The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep and just one pan, making it perfect for busy bakers or anyone craving a sweet shortcut.

Give this recipe a try and see how these bars become your new go-to for potlucks, family gatherings, or just satisfying a sweet tooth. I’d love to hear your feedback, leave a comment, share photos, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes that simplify baking without sacrificing flavor!

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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars give you all the gooey, nutty flavor of traditional pecan pie, with half the effort! Made with store-bought pie crusts, buttery pecan filling, and a rich caramelized topping, they’re the ultimate shortcut dessert for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you crave something sweet and easy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and press them evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan. Ensure full coverage with no gaps.
  3. Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves to coat evenly.
  4. Assemble & Bake: Pour the pecan mixture over the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
  5. Cool & Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 squares. Serve and enjoy your gooey, buttery pecan bars!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
  • You can also drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel for a gourmet finish!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Pecan Pie Bars, Easy Dessert, Southern Recipes, Lazy Girl Desserts, Holiday Treats

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